t  (j 


iCI 


a 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


GIFT  OF 


76^ 


Mr.  &  Mrs.   F.   L. 
Bailey 


^V^   fcaziJ  -      t^gtj  fc~it=3  e-lyj  e!_:jj  _ 


41 


ffi 


<//>  f  fv&f.  6t/  M.  AppJ«ft»i  /  f.'ff>  V" 


THE  HISTORICAL  ROMANCES  OF 
LOUISA   milHLBACH 


The  Touth 

of  the 

Great  Rhetor 

THE    LUXEN BURG    EDITION 


""•    ^''P/e.on   and  Co-^^^' 


SHEW  YORK 
LAMB  PUBLISHING  COMPANY 

1914 


Copyright,  1867, 
By  D.  APPLETON  AND  COMPANY. 


^ 


CONTENTS 


BOOK  I. 

PAGE 

I.  George  William,  the  Elector 1 

II.  Evil  tidings 13 

III.  Count  Adam  von  Schwarzenbkkg 28 

IV.  Soldiers  and  diplomatists 44 

V.  The  Elector  and  his  favorite 60 

VI.  Revelations ...  71 


BOOK  II. 

I.  The  double  rendezvous 83 

II.  The  Electoral  Prince 98 

III.  The  warning 116 

IV.  An  idyl 128 

V.  Media  Nocte 135 

VI.  The  hardest  victory 146 


BOOK  III. 

I.  New  plans 162 

II.  Count  John  Adolphus  von  Schwarzenberg       .        .        .  171 

in.  The  home-coming 189 

IV.  The  donation 211 

V.  Brutus 220 

VI.  Rebecca 236 

VII.  The  offer 246 

VIII.  The  banquet 258 

IX.  Love's  sacrifice 272 

X.  The  White  Lady 286 

XI.  The  pursuit 300 

XII.  The  departure 318 

ill 


r.>y 


■*i.<UP 


iv  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

BOOK  IV. 

PAGE 

I.  The  youthful  Sovereign       .......  337 

II.  Plans  fob  the  future 339 

III,  Diplomatic  missions 349 

IV.  Confirmed  in  power 358 

V.  The  catastrophe 376 

VI.  Revenge 390 

VII.  The  sealing  of  the  documents 407 

VIII.  The  flight 423 

IX.  The  letter 429 

X.  A  SECRET  audience  .....                ...  435 

XI.  Meeting  and  parting 452 

XII.  The  investiture  at  Waksat' 460 


THE  YOUTH  OF  THE  GREAT  ELECTOR. 


THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

BOOK  I. 
I. — George  William,  the  Elector. 

"With  hasty  strides  George  William,  the  Elector,  paced 
to  and  fro  the  length  of  his  cabinet.  His  features  wore  a  dark, 
agitated  expression,  his  blue  eyes  flashed  with  indignation 
and  wrath;  his  hands  were  folded  behind  his  back,  as  if  he 
would  shut  out  from  sight  the  paper  they  held  with  so  firm 
a  grasp,  and  which  he  had  crumpled  within  his  fist,  until  it 
bore  greater  resemblance  to  a  ball  than  a  letter.  Yet  he  must 
look  at  it  once  more — that  unfortunate  epistle,  which  had 
stirred  within  him  such  a  tempest  of  fury;  he  mnst  with- 
draw his  hands  from  his  back,  and  again  unfold  the  paper, 
for  nothing  else  would  satisfy  his  rage. 

"  Would  that  I  could  thus  crush  between  my  hands  the 
insolent,  seditious  authors  of  this  letter!  "  he  murmured,  as 
with  a  sigh  he  smoothed  the  paper  and  read  it  over.  "  I  see 
it  plainly,"  he  said  then  to  himself;  "  with  right  unworthy 
motive,  these  lords  of  the  duchy  of  Cleves  intend  to  vex  and 
mortify  me.  To  ask  me  to  give  them  the  Electoral  Prince 
for  their  stadtholder,  to  fix  his  residence  among  them!  That 
were  a  fine  story  forsooth,  to  send  our  son  away,  that  he,  too, 
may  perchance  rebel  against  us.  It  is  an  abominable  thing, 
wbich  I  shall  never  suffer,  and  I  shall  forwith  give  them  my 
mind  on  tbe  subject." 

He  stepped  np  to  the  great  ta})le  of  carved  oak-wood,  took 
from  it  a  silver  whistle,  and  gave  a  loud  shrill  call. 

1 


2  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

"  Are  the  deputies  from  the  duchy  of  Cleves  already  in 
the  antechamber?  "  he  asked  of  the  servant  who  appeared. 

"  Yes,   your  Electoral   Highness,  they  are  there." 

"  Let  them  come  in!     Be  quick!  " 

The  lackey  stepped  hack,  threw  open  the  folding  doors, 
beckoned  into  the  entrance  hall,  and  with  loud  voice  an- 
nounced: "  The  lords  of  the  duchy  of  Cleves  to  wait  upon  his 
Electoral  Highness." 

Four  gentlemen  entered,  attired  in  gorgeous,  richly  em- 
broidered uniforms.  They  bowed  low  and  most  respectfully 
before  the  Elector. 

George  William  did  not  acknowledge  this  reverential 
greeting  by  the  slightest  inclination  of  his  head,  but  looked 
with  contracted  brow  and  threatening  eyes  at  the  envoys, 
who  had  now  again  lifted  up  their  heads,  and  met  with  tran- 
quillity and  composure  the  wrathful  glances  of  the  lord  of 
the  land,  while  they  seemed  to  await  his  permission  to  pene- 
trate farther  into  the  apartment,  and  to  approach  him. 

But  this  permission  the  Elector  did  not  accord  them. 
He  left  them  standing  like  humble  dependents  near  the  door, 
and  went  toward  them  with  long,  menacing  strides. 

"  You  are  the  lords  from  Cleves,  who  have  come  to  pre- 
sent me  this  memorial  in  behalf  of  the  estates?  "  asked  George 
William  in  a  harsh  voice. 

"  Gracious  Elector,"  answered  one  of  the  gentlemen,  "  we 
were  sent  hither,  in  the  name  of  the  states  of  the  duchy  of 
Cleves,  to  present  to  you  in  person  their  wishes  and  requests. 
But  since  your  Electoral  Highness  would  not  have  the  kind- 
ness to  grant  us  an  audience,  but  referred  us  to  your  min- 
ister, his  excellency  Count  Schwarzenberg,  we  have  preferred 
to  intrude  upon  your  Electoral  Highness  with  a  written  docu- 
ment, in  order  that  your  highness  might  be  made  acquainted 
with  the  desires  and  petitions  of  the  duchy  of  Cleves  by 
means  of  our  own  writing,  rather  than  by  the  mouth  of  his 
excellency  your  minister." 

"  It  pleases  you,  gentlemen,  to  impugn  the  character  of 
my  minister.  Count  Schwarzenberg? "  asked  the  Elector. 
"  You  would  insinuate  that  he  might  represent  things  dif- 
ferently from  what  they  actually  are?    I  give  you  to  know, 


GEORGE  WILLIAM,   THE  ELECTOR.  3 

though,  that  Schwarzenberg  is  a  servant  singularly  true  and 
devoted  to  his  Elector,  and  that  I  have  much  more  reason 
to  trust  him  than  the  estates  of  the  duchy  of  Cleves,  who 
have  dared  to  make  known  to  me  through  you  their  strange 
requests.  I  have  had  you  summoned  now  in  order  to  have 
confirmed  by  you  orally  what  is  stated  in  this  paper,  for  it 
seems  to  me  nothing  less  than  sheer  impossibility  that  the 
estates  should  venture  to  propose  to  their  Hege  lord  what  you 
have  proposed.  Eepeat  to  me,  therefore,  by  word  of  mouth 
the  demands  of  the  states  of  Cleves,  then  I  will  return  you 
my  answer.    Which  of  you  is  spokesman?" 

"  I,  Baron  van  Velsen,  your  Electoral  Highness." 

"  A  Dutch  name,  as  it  seems  to  me." 

"My  family  came  originally  from  Holland,  but  settled 
in  the  duchy  of  Cleves  fifty  years  ago." 

"  Speak  then,  Baron  van  Velsen.  I  am  ready  to  hear 
you." 

"  Your  Electoral  Highness,  the  states  of  the  duchy  of 
Cleves  send  us  to  seek  succor  from  you  their  liege  lord  in  this 
time  of  their  necessity  and  distress.  On  all  sides  we  are 
oppressed  by  soldiers,  and  perpetually  in  danger  of  being 
seized  and  consumed  by  one  or  other  of  the  contending  poten- 
tates, princes,  and  lords.  In  the  Netherlands  the  contest  is 
still  going  on  between  the  States  and  the  Spaniards,  and  daily 
threatens  to  involve  us  in  the  calamities  and  perils  of  war, 
and  equally  alarming  to  us  is  the  neighborhood  of  the  Im- 
perial and  Swedish  troops.  Oppressed  by  all,  downtrodden  by 
all,  there  is  only  one  assured  means  of  deliverance.  It  is  this, 
that  your  highness  nominate  the  Electoral  Prince  stadtholder 
of  the  duchy  of  Cleves,  and  permit  him  to  take  up  his  resi- 
dence among  the  trusty  people  of  Cleves." 

"  Just  tell  me,  you  wise  and  prudent  deputies  from  Cleves, 
what  advantage  can  accrue  to  you  from  the  stadtholdership  of 
the  Electoral  Prince?  "  asked  the  Elector  hastily.  "  And  how 
far  would  that  go  in  furnishing  redress  for  yonr  diiriculties?  " 

"  So  far  as  this,  your  highness,  that  our  stadtholder  would 
shield  and  protect  us  against  the  encroachments  of  inimical 
powers,  and  by  his  openly  expressed  neutrality  secure  us 
against  the  claims  of  all  parties.    The  salvation  of  the  duchy 


4  THE   HEIR  TO   THE   THRONE. 

depends  wholly  and  solely  upon  our  having  a  neutral  chief 
resident  among  us,  and  we  beseech  and  implore  your  Electoral 
Highness  to  grant  us  such  an  one  in  the  Electoral  Prince,  and 
to  send  his  lordship  your  son  to  the  duchy  armed  mth  pleni- 
potentiary powers.*  It  is  for  the  second  time  that  the  states 
of  Cleves  appeal  with  this  earnest,  humble  entreaty  to  the 
heart  of  their  liege  lord,  and  most  urgently  we  beg  that  this 
time  we  may  have  a  hearing." 

"Are  you  done,  or  have  you  anything  further  to  say?" 
asked  the  Elector  impatiently. 

"  Your  highness,  only  this  have  we  to  say  besides,  that  the 
Prince  of  Orange  has  promised  to  support  our  petition  to 
your  Electoral  Highness,  and  that  he  also  is  of  opinion  that 
the  welfare  of  Cleves  depends  upon  her  possessing  a  ruler, 
resident  in  the  land  and  neutral." 

"  The  Prince  of  Orange  has  only  written  to  me  that  the 
states  of  Cleves  were  of  this  mind,  and  had  besought  him  to 
introduce  it  to  my  favorable  notice,"  exclaimed  the  Elector 
warmly.  "  Since  you  are  now  through  with  your  repeated 
suit,  and  have  nothing  more  to  say,  I  will  give  you  my  answer 
without  delay.  But  you  might  have  known  beforehand — you 
might  have  been  sure  that  if  a  sovereign  has  once  made  his 
subjects  acquainted  with  his  wishes  and  opinions,  he  can  not 
be  influenced  and  made  to  swerve  in  purpose  by  renewed  ap- 
plication, but  that  he  holds  to  what  he  has  once  determined 
upon.  And  so  I  tell  jou  now  for  the  second  time,  that  I  can 
not  grant  their  petition  to  the  states  of  Cleves.  In  the  first 
place,  because  I  will  not  have  the  Electoral  Prince  longer 
separated  from  me,  since  he  has  already  been  absent  from 
here  three  years,  and  in  these  troublous  times  we  wish  to  have 
our  son  near  us.  In  the  second  place,  the  presence  of  the 
Electoral  Prince  in  Cleves  might  not  have  the  wished-for 
result.  It  is  rather  to  be  feared  that  those  in  opposition  to 
the  Emperor's  majesty  and  the  empire  will  not  accommodate 
themselves  to  the  strict  treaty  of  peace,  nor  forbear  making 
aggression  upon  the  Electoral  Prince's  lands,  and  pay  so  little 
regard  to  the  person  and  presence  of  the  Prince  that  his  safety 

*  The  exact  words  of  the  deputies  from  Cleves.     Vide  Droysen,  His- 
tory of  the  Prussian  Policy,  vol.  iii,  part  1,  p.  175. 


GEORGE   WILLIAM,  THE  ELECTOR.  5 

perhaps  might  be  imperiled.  But,  in  the  third  place,"  con- 
tinued the  Elector  with  raised  voice — "  but,  in  the  third  place, 
I  can  not  grant  your  request  because  such  repeated  demands 
almost  force  us  to  the  conclusion  that  you  are  weary  and  dis- 
gusted with  our  rule,  and  therefore  would  seek  to  make  of  our 
son  a  sovereign  lord,  thus  inciting  the  son  to  offer  opposition 
to  his  own  father."  * 

"  Your  Electoral  Highness,"  cried  the  Lord  van  Velsen, 
"  I  swear  that  it  never  crossed  our  minds,  we " 

"  Silence!  I  gave  you.  no  leave  to  speak!  "  thundered  the 
Elector.  "  This  is  now  our  final  decision.  We  have  taken  it 
in  ill  part  that  you  have  reiterated  your  request,  and  have 
even  approached  the  Electoral  Prince  himself  on  the  subject, 
as  if  the  son  durst  decide  anything  or  act,  without  reference 
to  his  father  and  lord,  since  he  is  bound  to  be  an  obedient 
subject,  as  all  the  rest  of  you.  Communicate  this  to  the  states 
of  the  duchy  of  Cleves,  and  herewith  you  are  dismissed." 

And,  without  one  gracious  salutation  or  further  token 
of  dismissal,  the  Elector  turned  on  his  heel,  and  slowly  trav- 
ersed the  spacious  apartment,  leaning  upon  his  staff.  The 
lords  looked  after  him  with  dark,  resentful  glances;  then, 
seeing  that  he  had  indeed  spoken  his  last  word,  they  slunk 
away  softly,  but  with  bitter  hatred  in  their  hearts. 

The  Elector  heard  the  door  close  behind  them,  and  again 
turned  round. 

"  I  have  paid  them  off,"  he  said,  drawing  a  deep  breath, 
"  I  have  told  them  what  I  agreed  with  Schwarzenberg  to  say. 
I  hope,  too,  that  his  Imperial  Majesty  will  hear  of  this,  and 
recognize  in  it  my  purpose  to  adhere  firmly  to  the  terms  of 
the  treaty  of  peace  concluded  at  Prague  and  to  his  Imperial 
Majesty.  The  Swedes  and  the  Protestant  party  once  re- 
nounced, I  am  the  Emperor's  friend,  and  so  will  abide. 
Amen!  " 

Again  the  door  opened,  and  the  old  lackey  announced: 
"  The  deputation  from  llie  townsmen  of  tlie  cities  of  Berlin 
and  Cologne  request  an  audience  with  your  Electoral  Grace." 

The  Elector  gave  the  order  for  them  to  enter,  while  he  let 
*  The  Elector's  own  words.    See  F.  Forster,  Prussia's  Heroes  in  War 
and  Peace,  i,  p.  15. 


6  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

himself  sink  into  a  liigh-backed,  leather-covered  armchair, 
for  his  gouty  foot  pained  him. 

The  deputation  of  citizens  had  meanwhile  entered,  and 
lightly,  on  tiptoe,  these  men,  with  pale  faces  and  sad  counte- 
nances, passed  through  the  apartment  toward  the  armchair 
of  the  Elector,  who  sat  with  his  back  to  them.  Quite  a  strange, 
dismal  appearance  they  presented,  in  their  long  black  gowns 
and  broad  white  collars  plaited  around  the  neck.  They  would 
have  been  taken,  not  for  burgers  of  the  two  first  cities  of  the 
land,  but  for  gravediggers  and  undertakers,  who  had  come 
here  in  the  discharge  of  their  melancholy  offices. 

When  George  William  heard  ihe  approaching  steps  of  the 
burgers,  he  gave  his  chair  a  sudden  push,  so  that  it  turned 
upon  its  strong  rollers,  and  thus  gave  to  the  men  the  benefit 
of  his  Electorial  countenance. 

Forthwith  the  burgers  sank  upon  their  knees,  and  im- 
ploringly stretched  out  their  hands  toward  the  Prince. 

"  Wherefore  have  you  come  and  what  will  you  have  of 
me?  "  inquired  the  Elector  in  a  severe  voice. 

"  Your  Electoral  Highness,  we  have  been  informed  by  the 
magistrate  that  your  grace  was  angry  with  the  corporations 
of  Berlin  and  Cologne  because  we  ventured,  in  our  anxiety 
and  distress,  to  have  recourse  to  our  own  liege  lord,  and  to 
implore  in  a  petition  his  support  and  protection." 

"How  could  you  dare  to  do  such  a  thing?  Did  you  not 
know  that  the  Count  von  Sehwarzenberg  had  been  appointed 
by  me  stadtholder  within  the  Mark,  and  that  to  him  alone 
you  should  have  gone  with  your  complaints  and  grievances?  " 
"  But  we  knew,  besides,  that  our  despair  had  reached  its 
height,  and  that  we  longed  for  the  protection  and  presence 
of  our  own  Sovereign,  as  weak,  delicate  children  long  for  the 
sight  of  a  strong,  tender  parent.  Therefore  have  the  united 
corporations  of  the  cities  of  Berlin  and  Cologne  determined 
to  send  a  memorial  in  writing  to  your  Electoral  Highness, 
to  conjure  our  liege  lord  not  to  deal  with  us  as  step-children, 
since  we  are  children  of  one  and  the  same  father,  and  inferior 
to  the  Prussians  neither  in  love  nor  obedience,  but  only  more 
visited  by  misfortune  and  the  calamities  of  war.  But  on  this 
account  we  implored  our  hereditary  Sovereign  most  graciously 


GEORGE  WILLIAM,  THE  ELECTOR.  7 

to  turn  his  eye  upon  us,  and  to  come  to  our  aid,  since  we  stood 
in  such  great  need  of  his  help  and  his  protecting  arm.  TMs, 
Electoral  Highness  and  most  gracious  lord,  this  is  our  sole 
crime.  We  longed  after  the  presence  of  our  Sovereign,  in 
liis  own  most  sacred  person,  and  told  him  so." 

"But  in  what  way  have  you  presumed  to  speak?"  cried 
the  Elector  with  vehemence.  "  Not  as  in  reverence  and 
duty  bound,  but  as  if  you  would  reproach  us!  What  a  rude 
expression  is  this  when  you  say,  in  your  petition,  that  you  hope 
we  shall  no  longer  leave  the  Markgraviates  as  sheep  without 
shepherd,  just  as  if  we  would  hand  you  over  without  pro- 
tection to  the  free  will  and  power  of  the  enemy?  Most  prob- 
ably those  honorable  citizens,  the  tailois  and  shoemakers, 
drew  up  this  famous  writing,  but  they  would  have  done  better 
to  take  into  their  counsel  their  priest,  or  at  least  a  school- 
master, because  he  could  have  enhghtened  them  as  to  the 
proper  style  of  address  for  obedient,  submissive  citizens  to 
assume  in  writing  to  their  Sovereign.  I  have  always  been 
an  indulgent  ruler,  who  continually  cared  for  your  best  in- 
terests. If  matters  do  not  go  so  well  with  you,  it  is  your  own 
fault,  because  you  would  never  carry  out  my  intentions,  which 
I  made  you  acquainted  with  and  urged  upon  you  long  years 
ago.  For  have  we  not  perpetually,  ever  since  God  exalted 
us  to  the  Electoral  dignity  and  invested  us  with  the  reins 
of  government,  caused  to  be  represented  to  you  and  to  all 
the  states  in  the  land  how  highly  necessary  it  was  to  establish 
another  form  of  government?  Who  has  it  been  but  your- 
selves who  hindered,  obstructed,  and  opposed  it?  Now,  how- 
ever, when  things  go  not  so  smoothly,  you  lament  over  it, 
and  demand  from  me  assistance,  when  in  former  times  your 
pride  always  consisted  in  being  wholly  independent  of  us, 
through  your  free-city  constitutions!  Now,  then,  see  what 
is  the  result,  when  a  city  will  be  wholly  independent  of  its 
liege  lord  and  persists  in  its  obstinacy." 

"  Your  Electoral  TTighness,  it  has  never  entered  the  minds 
of  our  citizens  to  oppose  themselves  obstinately  to  the  most 
gracious  of  sovereigns,"  protested  the  spokesman  of  the 
burger  deputation.  "  On  the  contrary,  we  have  always  been 
found  ready  to  obey  the  behests  of  your  Electoral  grace." 


g  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

"  That  is  not  true!  That  is  a  He!  "  cried  the  Elector  ve- 
hemently. "  Often  have  you  declined  to  ohey  my  commands 
in  small  as  well  as  great  things.  I  remember  yet  very  well 
how,  when  three  years  ago  I  came  in  the  summertime  from 
Prussia  to  Berlin,  I  was  perfectly  shocked  at  the  filth  and 
stench  in  the  streets  of  Cologne  and  Berlin,  where  before 
every  house,  besides  pigstyes,  there  were  heaped  high  piles 
of  trash  and  manure.  But  when  I  ordered  the  high  council 
of  both  cities  to  have  the  streets  cleansed,  they  had  the  hardi- 
hood to  answer  me  thus:  '  The  citizens  have  no  time  now  to 
clean  the  streets,  since  they  are  busy  with  agricultural  work.'  * 
And  quite  recently,  when  I  merely  applied  to  these  two  capitals 
for  their  yearly  quota  of  fifteen  thousand  dollars,  in  order  to 
increase  my  bodyguard  from  three  hundred  to  six  hundred 
men  during  these  perilous  times  of  warfare,  did  you  not  refuse 
to  grant  this  subsidy  to  your  rightful  lord?" 

"  Your  Electoral  Highness,  that  was  the  result  of  the 
extremest  affliction  and  necessity,  because  we  were  really  in  no 
condition  to  pay  the  money.  For  whence  shall  we  procure  it 
if  poverty,  want,  and  affliction  are  the  only  things  that  yet 
belong  to  us?  Just  on  that  very  account,  to  bring  this  matter 
to  the  hearing  of  your  Electoral  Highness,  have  we  been 
deputed  as  delegates  by  the  corporations  of  Berlin  and  Co- 
logne to  wait  upon  your  Electoral  Grace,  that  we  might  repre- 
sent our  distresses  to  our  Sovereign,  and  entreat  him  to  for- 
give us  if  we  are  forced  to  decline  contributions  of  money, 
for  we  are  unable  to  raise  them.  Since  this  fierce,  horrible 
war  has  raged  in  Germany  between  the  Imperialists  and 
Swedes,  between  the  Catholics  and  Protestants,  the  cities  of 
Berlin  and  Cologne  have  suffered  pitiably,  and  have  been 
levied  upon  and  plundered,  sometimes  by  the  Swedes  and 
sometimes  by  the  Imperialists.  Before  the  peace  of  Prague 
the  Imperialists  visited  us  quite  often  with  cruel  robberies 
and  levies,  but  since  the  peace  of  Prague,t  it  has  been  yet 

*  Historical.  Vide  Nicolai,  Description  of  the  Capital  City  Berlin, 
Introduction,  p.  27. 

+  The  peace  of  Prague  was  concluded  in  1635,  and  in  this  the  Elector 
of  Brandenburg  renounced  alliance  with  the  Swedes  and  assumed  a  neu- 
tral position. 


GEORGE   WILLIAM,  THE  ELECTOR.  9 

worse,  and  what  we  have  suffered  and  endured  these  past 
two  years  is  enough  to  melt  a  stone,  how  much  more  the  heart 
of  a  pitiful  Sovereign.  Last  year  first  came  the  Swedish 
colonel  Haderslof  into  our  town,  and  levied  upon  us  for  six- 
teen thousand  dollars;  and  hardly  had  he  left  when  Field- 
Marshal  Wrangel  came  and  demanded  twenty  thousand  dol- 
lars besides.  Since,  however,  we  were  not  in  a  position  to 
pay  that  sum,  he  contented  himself  with  a  thousand  dollars 
in  money,  but  we  had  to  furnish  him  in  addition  with  fifteen 
thousand  yards  of  cloth,  three  thousand  pairs  of  socks,  and  as 
many  pairs  of  shoes,  and  besides  that  he  had  all  the  cattle 
driven  out  of  the  city.  And  yet  again,  a  few  weeks  ago  came 
the  Swedish  colonel  Haderslof,  and  demanded  of  us  a  con- 
tribution of  eleven  thousand  dollars.  It  was  impossible, 
however.  We  could  pay  no  more,  since  we  had  no  more  gold, 
and  were  obliged  to  receive  it  almost  as  a  favor  that  he  prom- 
ised in  the  compact  to  accept  silver  in  payment  in  lieu  of 
gold,  and  to  estimate  a  half  ounce  of  gilded  silver  at  twelve 
groschen  and  a  half  ounce  of  white  silver  at  nine  groschen. 
We  could  do  nothing  but  submit,  and  each  householder  and 
citizen  bore  all  the  silverware  he  possessed  to  the  guildhall, 
where  the  Swede  had  ordered  the  contributions  to  be  col- 
lected. And  now,  most  gracious  lord  and  Elector,  now  that 
we  are  poor  and  wretched,  comes  the  stadtholder  in  the  Mark, 
the  Lord  Count  von  Schwarzenberg,  and  requires  of  the  cities 
of  Berlin  and  Cologne  the  payment  of  their  annual  tax  for 
purposes  of  defense." 

"  And  you  are  bound  by  duty  and  obligation  so  to  do," 
exclaimed  the  Elector  quickly.  "  On  the  committee  day  of 
the  year  1636  it  was  decided  that  the  city  of  Berlin  should 
annually  pay  a  stipend  for  defense  of  eight  thousand  five  hun- 
dred dollars,  that  therewith  might  bo  maintained  her  garri- 
son and  the  fortress  of  Berlin.  Therefore  you  are  bound  and 
under  obligation  to  pay  this  assessment  at  present,  for  it 
strikes  me  forcibly  that  you  were  never  in  greater  need  of  a 
garrison  than  just  now." 

"  But  may  it  please  your  Electoral  Highness,  our  garrison 
is  of  no  manner  of  use  to  us.  It  is  much  too  inconsiderable  to 
afford  protection  against  the  enemy,  and  is  rather  hurtful, 


IQ  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

insomuch  as  the  soldiers  readily  fall  into  quarrels  and  brawls 
with  our  enemies,  in  which,  however,  they  always  come  o£E 
losers,  only  embittering  still  more  the  hatred  of  our  foes. 
Therefore,  when  we  have  anticipated  the  approach  of  the 
enemy,  we  have  always  besieged  the  commandant  of  our  gar- 
rison with  entreaties  and  representations,  until  he  has  con- 
sented, in  order  to  save  us  from  increased  misfortunes,  to 
retire  with  his  garrison  from  the  city,  and  to  march  out  to 
Spandow  or  Brandenburg  until  the  enemy  again  had  taken 
their  departure.*  Your  Electoral  Grace  sees  therefore  that 
the  garrison  is  of  no  use  at  all  to  us,  and  yet  we  must  pay  a  tax 
for  defense." 

"  Yes,  must  and  shall  pay  it,  for  your  case  is  not  so  bad 
as  you  would  have  us  beUeve.  Meantime  you  have  refused 
to  defray  the  expenses  of  enlarging  my  bodyguard;  report  has 
reached  Konigsberg  of  the  proceedings  at  Berlin  and  Cologne, 
and  truly  wonderful  and  horrible  tidings  have  been  imparted 
to  me  by  my  chancellor,  Pruckmann.  I  know  all.  I  am  ac- 
quainted with  all  your  doings  and  actions,  and  I  must  say 
that  my  heart,  yearning  as  it  does  over  my  subjects,  has  been 
grieved  to  learn  the  abomiucible  godlessness  and  wickedness 
of  the  citizens  of  my  towns  of  Berlin  and  Cologne.  It  is  true 
that  you  have  had  to  suffer  many  of  the  trials  and  calamities 
incident  to  war,  but  not  in  the  least  have  you  been  improved 
by  them  or  led  to  repentance.  In  spite  of  the  necessities  of 
war,  you  have  not  forsaken  your  pride  and  haughtiness;  the 
women  dress  themselves  extravagantly,  and  it  is  really  abom- 
inable, shameful,  and  disgusting  to  behold  them  in  the  new 
French  attire,  which  they  call '  la  Pontange,'  and  which  leaves 
the  person  uncovered  almost  as  far  as  the  waist.  They  be- 
dizen themselves  with  finery  and  flaunt  through  the  streets 
in  velvets  and  satins.  And  the  men  encourage  them  in  it, 
join  in  their  amusements,  and  waste  their  lives  in  banquet- 
ings  and  feastings.  Such  disgraceful  lives  as  men  must  have 
passed  in  Sodom  and  Gomorrah!  And  although  you  know 
the  enemy  may  come  again  at  any  moment  and  levy  their 
contributions  upon  you,  yet  you  take  it  not  in  the  least  to 
heart,  but  continue  to  lead  a  merry,  luxurious  life,  have  balls 
*  Historical.     Vide  Nicolai,  i,  p.  33. 


GEORGE  WILLIAM,  THE  ELECTOR        H 

and  drinking  bouts,  spend  a  wild,  heathenish  life  in  eating, 
drinking,  gambling,  and  other  wantonness,  deck  yourselves 
out  like  peacocks,  and  those  who  have  the  least,  and  carry 
all  their  possessions  upon  their  bodies,  act  worst  of  all." 

"  It  is  desperation,  your  Electoral  Highness,  which  makes 
the  people  of  BerHn  so  mad  and  wild.  Well  they  know  that 
they  can  call  nothing  their  own.  Why  should  they  save  when 
the  Swede  comes  to-day  or  to-morrow,  and  takes  from  them 
their  last  possession?  Therefore  they  prefer  to  squander  upon 
themselves  in  desperate  merriment,  rather  than  economize 
and  go  along  sorrowfully,  to  find  that  they  have  only  saved 
for  the  enemy,  who  laughs  at  their  misery." 

"  Now,  if  you  take  it  so,  you  might  give  to  me  also  what 
I  desire  and  demand,  and  I  would  have  the  citizens  of  Berlin 
and  Cologne  to  know  through  you  that  I  am  not  minded  to 
abate  in  the  least  my  requisitions  for  the  payment  of  the  ex- 
penses of  my  bodyguard,  and  the  tax  for  the  maintenance  of 
my  Electoral  court.  You  must  and  shall  pay,  and  in  any  case 
it  must  be  preferable,  to  your  desperation,  to  give  your  last 
thing  to  your  Elector  and  Sovereign,  rather  than  have  it 
stolen  and  extorted  from  you  by  the  Swedes.  So,  there  you 
have  my  decision,  and  be  off  with  it  and  convey  it  to  the  citi- 
zens of  Berlin  and  Cologne.  Attempt  not  to  say  anything 
more  now,  for  I  will  hear  nothing  more.  You  are  dismissed, 
go  then!  " 

"Your  Electoral  Highness,"  the  spokesman  ventured  to 
begin,  "I " 

But  the  Elector  would  not  allow  him  to  proceed.  He 
took  up  his  silver  whistle,  and  with  its  shrill  call  overpowered 
the  sound  of  the  burger's  words.  The  door  of  the  outer 
chamber  opened  immediately,  and  the  lackey  appeared  upon 
the  threshold;  on  the  outside,  beside  the  door,  were  to  be 
seen  two  of  the  Electoral  lifeguardsmen,  standing  with  shoul- 
dered weapons. 

"  The  burger  deputation  is  dismissed,"  cried  the  Elector 
shortly.     "Have  the  doors  opened,  and  let  them  go  out." 

The  delegates  from  the  oppressed  cities  ventured  not  to 
make  opposition;  sighing  and  with  heads  bowed  low  they 
strode  through  the  room.  Arrived  at  the  door,  they  turned 
2 


12  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

once  more  and  bowed  deeply  before  his  Electoral  Grace.  But 
George  William  saw  it  not,  for  with  an  adroit  jerk  he  had 
again  turned  his  armchair  toward  his  writing  table.  Mean- 
while, although  he  affected  to  read  the  document  which  he 
took  from  the  table,  his  attention  was  in  fact  wholly  con- 
centrated upon  the  departing  burgers.  He  listened  with  a 
satisfied  air  as  they  slowly  moved  away,  and,  when  the  door 
of  the  antechamber  closed  behind  them,  with  a  deep-drawn 
breath  deposited  the  document  upon  the  table. 

"  They  will  pay,  I  am  certain  they  will  pay,"  he  said,  a 
triumphant  expression  flitting  across  his  troubled,  peevish 
countenance.  "  I  have  properly  frightened  them  and  put 
them  in  wholesome  dread,  so  that  they  will  not  dare  to  oppose 
us  longer.  Yes,  they  will  pay  and  thus  extricate  us  from  the 
dilemma  in  which  we  find  ourselves  at  present.  Ah!  what  a 
hard,  fearful  thing  is  life,  and  how  little  does  it  fulfil  the 
hopes  with  which  I  looked  forward  to  it  in  the  years  of  my 
youth!  My  blessed  father  was  such  a  fortunate  ruler!  With 
him  everything  was  successful.  He  lived  in  peace  and  con- 
cord with  Emperor  and  empire,  was  beloved  by  his  people, 
and  had  great  prospects  for  the  future,  being  heir  to  precious 
possessions.  x\nd  when  I  thus  beheld  him  in  the  glory  and 
fullness  of  his  power,  I  thought  to  myself  that  it  was  a  glori- 
ous destiny  to  be  an  Elector,  and  that  a  clear  sky  always  shone 
above  the  head  of  a  Prince.  Yet  all  at  once  clouds  chased 
across  and  darkened  this  sky,  for  in  Bohemia  was  kindled  the 
war  which  soon  split  Germany  into  two  hostile  parties.  My 
blessed  father  took  sides  with  his  brother-in-law,  the  new 
Kinsr  of  Bohemia.  But  then  came  the  battle  of  the  White 
Mountain,  which  cost  my  poor  uncle,  the  King  of  Bohemia, 
Frederick  of  the  Palatinate,  his  land  and  crown,  and  drove 
him  forth  into  misfortune  and  misery.  And  the  triumphant 
Emperor  threatened  all  who  should  succor  the  conquered 
sovereign  with  proscription  and  the  ban  of  the  empire,  and 
whoever  should  rescue  him  must  cry  pater  peccavi,  and  peni- 
tentially  confess  to  the  Emperor  and  empire.  My  blessed 
father  did  so,  but  henceforth  he  might  no  longer  sit  upon  the 
throne,  which  could  only  remain  his  through  the  condescen- 
sion of  the  Emperor.    He  preferred  to  live  independently  in 


EVIL  TIDINGS.  13 

solitude  and  retirement,  devoting  liimself  to  the  meditations 
and  practices  of  the  reformed  doctrines,  whose  confession  he 
adopted,  together  with  his  whole  family.  So  he  resigned  the 
government,  and  gave  it  to  me.  Alas!  it  was  a  sad  heritage, 
and  little  enough  had  I  to  rule,  for  misfortune,  war,  and 
the  Emperor  ruled  me  and  my  land,  so  that  I  soon  had  my 
fill  of  it,  and " 

"  May  we  come  in?  "  asked  a  pleasant  voice  behind  the 
Elector,  interrupting  him  in  his  melancholy  reminiscences. 

"  Yes,  Lady  Electress,"  he  replied,  painfully  rising  from 
his  armchair — "  yes,  come  in  and  be  heartily  welcome  to 
your  spouse." 


II. — Evil  Tidings. 

The  Electress  Charlotte  Ehzabeth  closed  the  little  side 
door  which  led  from  her  private  apartments,  and  with  a 
friendly  nod  of  the  head  and  tender  glances  approached  her 
husband,  who  advanced  slowly  to  meet  her. 

"  Elizabeth,"  he  said,  thoughtfully  shaking  his  head,  "  I 
see  from  your  countenance  that  you  have  something  special 
to  say  to  me.  Your  brown  eyes  shine  to-day  unusually  bright 
and  clear,  and  on  your  lips  rests  a  happy,  tender  smile,  such  as, 
alas!  I  no  longer  observe  often  in  my  wife." 

"  Gladly  would  I  have  smiled  and  looked  cheerful,  George, 
but  have  lacked  the  opportunity.  You  know  well  that  we  have 
seldom  seen  a  blue  sky  above  us;  H  has  been  always  over- 
cast by  gloomy  clouds.  But  I  beg  of  you,  my  lord  and  hus- 
band, to  resume  your  seat,  for  I  see,  alas!  that  your  foot  is 
paining  you  sadly.  The  fatigues  of  travel  have  injured  it, 
and  it  would  indeed  be  wise  if  you  would  at  last  determine 
to  resort  to  active  remedies,  and  to  that  end  allow  a  couple 
of  the  learned  Frankfort  doctors  to  be  sent  for." 

With  an  expression  almost  of  alarm  the  Elector  looked 
upon  his  wife,  who  had  seated  herself  on  a  stool  beside  him, 
and  soothingly  and  tenderly  laid  her  hand  upon  his  cheek. 

"  You  have  something  on  your  mind,  Elizabeth,  something 


14  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

surely,"  he  said,  "  and  it  is  nothing  which  can  give  me  pleas- 
ure, else  you  would  not  use  so  much  circumlocutioa;  but 
speak  it  out  frankly." 

"  How?  "  asked  the  Eleetress,  "  must  I  have  some  special 
object  in  view,  when  I  smile  upon  you,  and  fondle  you  a  little  ? 
Know  you  not  that  my  soul  is  full  of  tenderness  toward  you, 
and  that  my  heart  is  ever  speaking  to  you,  even  when  the  lips 
utter  not  aloud  what  the  heart  is  whispering  within?  " 

"Elizabeth!"  cried  the  Elector,  "now  I  k^iow  it;  you 
have  received  tidings  from  our  son,  and  vexatious  tidings! 
Yes,  yes,  that  is  it!  I  know  those  tender  looks  and  beaming 
eyes;  it  is  not  my  wife  that  I  recognize  in  them:  it  is  the 
mother  of  our  Electoral  Prince,  Frederick  William." 

"  Ah!  what  an  acute  observer  you  are,  George,  and  how 
well  you  understand  how  to  read  my  countenance!  Well, 
now,  you  shall  have  it  in  all  candor.  I  have  news  from  our 
dear  Electoral  Prince." 

"  He  notifies  us,  I  trust,  that  he  has  followed  our  instruc- 
tions strictly  and  to  tlie  letter,  and  is  now  on  his  way  home?  " 
asked  the  Elector,  gazing  upon  his  wife  with  anxious,  in- 
quiring glances. 

But  Elizabeth  avoided  his  look. 

"What!"  cried  George  William  angrily,  "you  do  not 
answer  me!  You  can  not,  therefore,  respond  to  my  questions 
with  a  joyful  Yes!  Can  it  be  possible,  then,  that  the  Electoral 
Prince  has  disregarded  my  commands,  that " 

"  Do  not  allow  yourself  to  be  so  excited,  George,"  iater- 
ruptec .  the  Eleetress.  "  First  hear  his  motives  and  excuses 
before  you  grow  angry  with  our  son." 

"  From  all  those  motives  and  excuses  I  shall  only  gather 
that  he  will  not  come,"  cried  the  Elector. 

"  Say  rather  that  he  can  not  come,"  returned  Elizabeth, 
while  she  gently  forced  back  her  husband,  who  in  his  excite- 
ment and  impatience  had  made  an  effort  to  rise.  "  Yes,  I 
have  letters  from  The  Hague,  my  dear  husband,  letters  from 
both  our  uncle,  the  Prince  of  Orange,  and  my  mother,  and 
I  dare  affirm  that  these  letters  have  given  me  heartfelt  joy, 
inasmuch  as  my  uncle  the  Stadtholder,  as  well  as  my  mother, 
write  of  our  dear  son  that  he  is  an  accomplished  Prince,  in 


EVIL  TIDINGS.  15 

whom  one  may  reasonably  rejoice,  and  whom  we  may  be 
proud  to  call  our  son.  You  know,  George,  that  during  these 
three  years  of  his  sojourn  in  Holland,  we  have  ever  had  good 
and  complimentary  accounts  of  him.  His  tutor,  von  Kal- 
khun,  has  often  reported  to  us  with  what  diligence  our  son. 
applied  himself  to  his  studies  at  Leyden,  and  that  he  had 
become  quite  a  learned  Prince,  in  whom  even  the  professors 
themselves  took  peculiar  delight.  Then  when  he  had  fin- 
ished his  course  of  studies  at  Leyden  and  went  to  Arnheim, 
where  he  met  with  the  Princes  William  of  Orange  and  Mau- 
rice of  Nassau,  they  could  not  sufficiently  laud  the  handsome 
appearance,  lofty  spirit,  and  noble  heart  of  our  young  Elec- 
toral Prince." 

"  Truly,"  muttered  the  Elector,  "  one  could  infer  from 
your  discourse  that  you  are  the  mother  of  this  highly  praised 
lad.  It  is  an  old  experience  that  mothers  always  find  some- 
thing remarkable  in  their  sons,  and  if  they  were  to  be  be- 
lieved, then  would  the  son  of  every  mother  be  no  ordinary 
specimen  of  mankind,  but  a  phoenix  among  all  other  men." 

"  But,  my  well-beloved  Elector,  I  have  nevertheless  told 
nothing  but  the  truth.  Our  son  has  been  very  successfid  in 
his  studies  these  last  three  years  in  Holland,  and  has  become 
a  very  learned  and  accomplished  young  man,  who  is  well 
skilled  in  Latin  and  Greek,  besides  speaking  German,  French, 
and  Italian  in  a  masterly  way.  But  most  especially  has  he 
cultivated  himself  in  a  knowledge  of  the  science  of  war,  and 
the  Princes  of  Orange  and  Nassau  certify  that  he  will  as- 
suredly become  hereafter  a  great  general  and  warrior,  so 
learnedly  and  wisely  does  he  even  now  discourse  upon  the 
subject." 

"Why  do  you  say  all  tliis,  Elizabeth?"  asked  the  Elec- 
tor. "  Why  do  you  praise  our  son,  but  that  you  are  conscious 
that  he  is  deserving  of  censure,  and  has  sinned  grievously 
against  us  in  not  having  so  hastened  his  return  home  as  to 
be  here  now  instead  of  his  letters?  But  that  he  has  already 
set  out  on  the  journey  home  I  can  not  for  a  moment  doubt, 
and  bitterly  should  he  experience  my  fatherly  wrath  if  it 
were  not  so.  Just  tell  me  in  short,  concise  words,  when  does 
my  son,  the  Electoral  Prince,  come?" 


IG  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

"  My  dear  lord  and  husband,"  said  the  Electress  with  re- 
luctance and  visible  embarrassment,  "  would  it  not  be  best 
for  you  to  speak  on  this  subject  with  the  chamberlain,  Bal- 
thazar von  Schlieben " 

"  What!  "  cried  the  Elector,  springing  from  his  seat — 
*'  what!  Is  Schlieben  here  again — Schlieben,  whom  we  sent 
to  The  Hague  in  order  that  he  might  conduct  our  son  hither? 
He  has  come  back  without  the  Electoral  Prince?  " 

"  Yes,  my  husband,  he  has  come  back,"  replied  the  Elec- 
tress, winding  her  arms  tenderly  around  her  husband's  neck. 
''  I  entreat  you  most  earnestly  not  to  be  angry  before  you 
have  heard  the  reasons  why  the  Electoral  Prince  does  not 
come.  I  entreat  you  to  admit  Balthazar  von  Schlieben,  and 
have  an  account  rendered  to  you  by  him." 

"Yes!"  exclaimed  the  Elector,  vehemently — "yes,  I  will 
see  him.  He  shall  render  me  an  account.  Where  is  he  ?  They 
must  send  for  him  directly;  he  must  be  summoned  to  me 
immediately! " 

"  It  is  not  necessary,  George;  he  stands  without  there  in 
the  little  passage  leading  to  my  apartments.  I  shall  cause 
him  to  enter  immediately.  You  must  promise  me  first,  though, 
my  beloved  husband,  that  you  will  listen  to  him  without  re- 
proaches and  anger,  and  that  you  will  say  nothing  in  his 
presence  against  the  only  son  given  us  by  Heaven." 

"  I  shall  make  no  promises  that  I  can  not  keep,"  cried  the 
Elector  warmly.  "  I  will  speak  with  Schlieben.  He  must 
come  in.  Ho!  Chamberlain  Balthazar  von  Schlieben,  come 
in,  I  charge  you  to  come  in." 

The  little  arras  door  opened  and  disclosed  to  view  a  slen- 
der, tall  young  man,  in  gold-laced  blue  uniform,  with  red 
facings. 

"  At  the  command  of  your  Electoral  Grace,"  he  said,  mak- 
ing a  reverential  obeisance. 

"  Come  hither,  Schlieben,"  cried  George  William,  "  close 
up  to  me,  that  I  may  see  if  you  are  actually  he  who  dares  to 
return  here  without  the  one  after  whom  I  sent  him.  So! 
Look  me  straight  in  the  face,  and  tell  me  why  I  sent  you  to 
Holland  three  months  ago,  and  what  was  your  errand  there?  " 

"  Your  Electoral  Highness,  I  was  sent  by  your  grace  to 


EVIL  TIDINGS.  17 

Holland,  in  order  that  I  might  conduct  hither  his  Highness 
the  Electoral  Prince." 

'■  Well,  then,  where  is  the  Electoral  Prince?  " 

"  Your  Electoral  Highness,  he  is  at  present  still  at  The 
Hague,  and  most  urgently  and  most  submissively  he  be- 
seeches your  Electoral  Highness  through  me  that  he  may  be 
permitted  to  remain  there  at  least  for  the  winter." 

"He  is  yet  at  The  Hague!"  cried  the  Elector.  "He 
ventures  thus  to  brave  me — to  oppose  himself  to  my  strict 
injunctions?  Or  have  you  not  handed  him  my  letter,  SchUe- 
ben?  Or  have  you  not  repeated  to  him  all  that  I  said  and 
urged  you  by  word  of  mouth  to  convey  to  him?  Did  you  not 
inform  him  that  I  ordered  him,  under  penalty  of  my  princely 
and  fatherly  displeasure,  to  set  out  and  journey  hither  in  the 
speediest  manner  possible  ?  " 

"  Your  Electoral  Highness,  I  carried  out  exactly  every 
command  given  me  by  your  highness,  and  the  Electoral 
Prince  surely  would  not  have  delayed  an  instant  gratifpng 
the  demands  of  his  revered  father,  if  many  concurring  cir- 
cumstances had  not  made  it  impossible  for  him.  The  Elec- 
toral Prince  has  himself  more  narrowly  pointed  out  and  ex- 
plained these  in  this  letter,  which  he  has  charged  me  to  de- 
liver to  your  highness." 

And  with  a  deep  inclination  the  chamberlain  extended 
a  large  sealed  packet  to  his  Sovereign. 

George  William  took  it  with  angry  impatience,  and  so 
curious  was  he  to  read  the  contents  of  the  packet  that  he 
hastily  tore  off  the  cover,  the  sooner  to  arrive  at  its  purport. 
A  closely  written  sheet  of  fine  paper  was  within  the  cover, 
and  the  Elector  unfolded  it  with  eager  hands.  But  after 
looking  at  this  a  long  while,  he  shook  his  head  passionately, 
and  the  flush  of  anger  on  his  countenance  grew  yet  darker. 

"  What  sort  of  new-fashioned,  disrespectful  handwriting 
is  this?  "  growled  George  William.  "  This  is  not  at  all  as  if 
it  had  been  written  by  a  prince's  son,  but  by  a  scholar  who 
had  carefully  sought  to  crowd  as  many  lines  as  possible  into 
one  page  in  order  to  save  paper.  A  prince  should  never  re- 
nounce or  be  unmindful  of  his  own  dignity.  But  it  is  unbe- 
coming, indeed,  and  unworthy  of  a  prince  to  write  such  a 


18  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

fine  hand,  as  if  he  were  a  scholar  or  a  writing  master.  I  can 
not  read  these  small  intricate  characters.  Kead  the  letter 
to  me,  Electress,  in  short,  share  it  with  me  from  the  first." 

The  Electress  took  the  sheet  held  out  to  her,  and  read 
it  over  with  hurried  glances.  "  The  Electoral  Prince  uses 
the  most  humble,  submissive  words,"  she  said,  finally.  "  It  is 
just  the  letter  of  an  obedient  and  respectful  son,  who  is  all 
anxiety  to  obey  the  commands  of  his  father,  and  who  is 
deeply  grieved  that  he  must  nevertheless  go  contrary  to  them." 

"  Must?  "  cried  George  William.  "  Be  pleased  to  tell  me 
why  he  must." 

"  Only  hear,  my  lord  and  husband,  what  the  Prince  writes 
about  it,"  said  the  Electress,  and  with  loud  voice  she  read: 
•' '  There  are  various  circumstances  which  compel  me  to  pro- 
long my  stay  in  this  country.  In  the  first  place.  Admiral 
Tromp  is  here,  and  he  is  very  useful  in  aiding  me  to  arrive 
at  a  more  perfect  knowledge  of  nautical  affairs,  as,  also,  the 
condescension  and  kindness  of  my  uncle,  the  Prince  of  Orange, 
that  great  general,  afl^ords  me  a  glorious  opportunity  of  per- 
fecting myself  in  the  science  of  war.  And  I  think  that,  the 
more  I  learn  and  study  here,  the  more  capable  will  I  become 
of  serving  hereafter  under  your  highness.  But,  apart  from 
these  things,  it  would  be  exceedingly  difficult  at  this  season 
of  the  year  and  under  the  present  conditions,  to  make  the 
,  long  journey  from  The  Hague  to  Prussia;  most  probably  it 
would  consume  a  half  year,  and  the  expenses  would  be  enor- 
mous, while  next  summer  I  might  easily  accomplish  the  jour- 
ney in  two  months.  The  voyage  by  sea  would  be  next  to 
impossible  during  this  present  winter  on  account  of  the  vio- 
lent storms,  which  might  occasion  tedious  delays.  More- 
over, I  dread  the  privateers  of  Dunkirk,  against  which  the 
Dutch  convoy  could  hardly  protect  me.  But  yet  more 
formidable  seems  the  journey  by  land  in  the  existing  state 
of  the  times.  In  Westphalia  the  Hessians  and  Swedes  rove 
about,  rendering  the  roads  unsafe.  Even  should  I  take  my 
way  over  the  flats,  along  the  strand,  yet  the  Swedish  and 
Hessian  troops  could  easily  catch  up  with  me,  and  overpower 
the  escort  promised  me  for  safe-conduct  by  the  counts  of 
East  Friesland  and  Oldenburg  and  the  Bishop  of  Bremen. 


EVIL  TIDINGS.  19 

Or  should  I  bend  my  course  through  Upper  Germany  and 
Franconia,  there,  again,  other  hindrances  present  themselves, 
for  throughout  all  these  provinces  reigns  the  greatest  wretched- 
ness— men  even  devouring  one  another  for  hunger.  On  that 
account  my  uncle,  the  Prince  Stadtholder  himself,  has  op- 
posed my  undertaking  the  journey,  considering  it  too  dan- 
gerous. A  deputation  from  the  duchy  of  Cleves  has  also 
come  and  begged  me  to  postpone  my  departure,  since  they 
had  petitioned  your  grace  anew  to  leave  me  in  the  duchy  of 
Cleves  as  their  stadtholder.  And  if  all  this  were  not  so,  there 
is  yet  another  reason  which  must  prevent  my  departure  from 
here.  But  this  I  dare  not  commit  to  writing,  for  a  letter 
may  be  so  easily  lost,  and  to  read  such  a  thing  would  furnish 
our  enemies  an  occasion  of  rejoicing  and  triumph.  There- 
fore I  have  told  all  to  young  Balthazar  von  Schlieben,  and 
he  will  in  my  name  faithfully  and  most  reverentially  com- 
municate to  you,  your  Electoral  Highness  and  my  most  gra- 
cious father,  the  true  and  principal  cause  which  prevents 
my  setting  forth  from  Holland.' " 

"  Well,  speak  then! "  cried  the  Elector  impatiently. 
*'  Speak,  Schlieben — what  is  it?  " 

"  Will  not  my  lord  and  husband  first  hear  the  Electoral 
Prince's  letter  to  the  end?  "  asked  the  Electress.  "  Here  fol- 
low some  cordial,  affectionate  words,  and  assurances  of  the 
most  filial  respect  and  most  submissive  love." 

"  Can  I  value  them,  yes,  can  I  value  any  of  them  all  ?  " 
answered  George  William  passionately.  "  Wlien  we  will  prove 
nothing  by  deeds,  then  we  make  speeches,  and  when  we  are 
disobedient  in  act,  then  we  asseverate  with  words  of  love  and 
reverence.  Speak,  then,  Balthazar  von  Schlieben,  since  you 
have  been  thus  commissioned  by  the  Electoral  Prince.  What 
is  this  most  weighty  of  reasons  which  forbids  the  departure  of 
the  Electoral  Prince  from  Holland?" 

"  Your  Electoral  Highness,  it  is  debt,  it  is  the  total  want 
of  money." 

The  Elector  started  up  as  if  an  adder  had  stung  him. 
"  Debts!  "  he  cried  in  thundering  voice.  ''  Want  of  money! 
Will  this  litany  never,  never  cease?  What  a  wild,  extrava- 
gant life  the  Electoral  Prince  must  lead  to  be  for  ever  and 


20  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE, 

ever  wanting  mone}^  and  no  sooner  are  his  debts  paid  than 
he  contracts  new  ones!  " 

"  Husband,"  said  the  Electress  soothingly,  "  it  does  not 
reflect  upon  the  life  our  son  leads  that  he  is  out  of  money,  but 
proves  that  he  has  not  received  a  sufficiently  ample  allow- 
ance. Just  reflect  that  three  years  ago,  when  he  undertook 
this  Journey  to  Holland,  you  did  not  give  him  a  red  cent, 
and  that  I  had  to  give  him  from  my  little  savings  three  thou- 
sand dollars  that  he  might  be  able  to  travel  at  all.*  A  con- 
siderable portion  of  this  must  have  been  expended  during  the 
tedious  journey,  with  liis  retinue." 

"  If  any  one  were  to  listen  to  you,  Electress,  he  would 
really  suppose  that  the  Electoral  Prince  had  lived  upon  those 
three  thousand  dollars  lent  him  by  you  from  that  time  up 
to  the  present.  You  forget,  however,  that,  already  in  the 
year  1636,  therefore  the  very  next  year  after  the  Electoral 
Prince  set  out  upon  his  journey,  the  states  at  the  diet  of 
Konigsberg  voted  the  large  sum  of  seven  thousand  dollars 
to  the  Electoral  Prince  for  the  prosecution  of  his  studies, 
over  which  they  made  a  great  outcry  even  then,  since  the 
owner  of  each  rood  of  land  must  be  taxed  five  groschen  to 
pay  for  these  acquirements,  bringing  down,  no  doubt,  many 
a  curse  upon  his  Latin  and  Greek.f  From  these  two  sources 
alone,  then,  he  has  had  ten  thousand  dollars  to  disburse  in 
three  years,  which  for  so  young  a  gentleman  would  surely 
seem  sufficient.  Besides,  just  half  a  year  ago,  on  his  repeated 
application  to  me  for  money,  I  sent  him  again  one  thousand 
dollars,  insomuch  as  he  felt  himself  compelled  to  purchase 
a  stately  equipage." 

"  That  was  the  time,  husband,  when  our  son  went  from 
Leyden  to  Arnheim,  to  reside  there  for  a  long  while.  There, 
of  course,  he  was  obliged  to  have  a  small  household  about 
him,  in  order  to  maintain  the  dignity  of  his  father  and  his 
house,  for  there,  too,  dwelt  the  Princes  of  Orange  and  Nassau, 
and  our  son,  the  Electoral  Prince  of  Brandenburg,  in  order 
not  to  be  surpassed  by  them,  must,  like  them,  hold  his  court." 

"  And  unfortunately  living  is  very  expensive  in  Holland," 

*  Vide  von  Orlich,  History  of  the  Prussian  State,  etc.,  part  1,  p.  34. 
f  Vide  von  Orlich,  History  of  the  Prussian  State,  etc.,  part  1,  p.  35. 


EVIL  TIDINGS.  21 

remarked  tKe  Chamberlain  von  Schlieben.  "  Your  Electoral 
Grace  had  sent  one  thousand  dollars  to  the  Electoral  Prince 
for  the  purchase  of  an  equipage,  but  this  sum  was  by  no  means 
adequate.     The  coach  alone  cost  seven  hundred  dollars." 

"  Seven  hundred  dollars! "  cried  the  Elector,  amazed. 
"  How  can  one  pay  so  much  money  for  a  mere  wooden  box?  " 

"  If  it  please  your  highness,  the  coaches  in  Holland  are 
not  by  any  means  wooden  boxes,  merely  painted,  varnished, 
and  gilded  a  little  within  and  without,  having  hard  leather- 
covered  seats.  The  Electoral  Prince's  coach  is  hung  within 
and  without  in  red  velvet  and  satin,  for  this  custom  and  usage 
require  of  a  princely  personage  in  Holland;  besides,  a  set 
of  four  horses  must  be  bought,  and  each  of  these  cost  one 
hundred  and  forty  dollars.  Your  Electoral  Highness  sees 
clearly,  therefore,  that  one  thousand  dollars  could  not  suflB.ce 
to  cover  the  expense,  for  coach  and  horses  alone  cost  more 
than  that,  and  now  must  be  added  the  liveries  and  harness, 
besides  the  wages  of  coachman,  footmen,  and  lackeys." 

"  Yes,  I  see  plainly  that  my  dear  son  leads  a  stately,  ex- 
travagant life,"  cried  the  Elector.  "  I  see  well  that  it  is  high 
time  for  him  to  come  away  from  there,  and  learn  that  an 
Elector  of  Brandenburg  must  adapt  himself  to  his  means, 
and,  instead  of  riding  in  a  coach  drawn  by  four  horses,  must 
drive  in  a  miserable  rattle-trap  pulled  by  two  paltry  beasts. 
It  is  therefore  full  time  that  the  Electoral  Prince  were  with- 
drawn from  the  scenes  of  his  pomp  and  pride,  and  were  taught 
again  to  live  simply  and  sparingly.  He  must  and  shall  return 
home!  Finally,  I  am  sick  and  tired  of  tliis  eternal  negotiating, 
this  writing  to  and  fro,  and  it  really  is  high  time  that  this 
should  have  an  end.  For  a  year  already  I  have  been  in  treaty 
with  the  young  gentleman  concerning  his  return  home,  and 
last  of  all  dispatched  my  chamberlain  to  enjoin  it  upon  him 
as  my  most  decided  and  express  will  that  the  Prince  come 
home,  and  start  forthwith.  But  he  has  an  obstinate  disposi- 
tion, and  sends  the  Chamberlain  von  Schhebcn  back,  and 
tranquilly  remain  there,  where  he  is  so  well  pleased,  living  as 
he  does  in  pomp  and  luxury,  while  I  have  hardly  enough 
money  to  live  along  scantily  and  with  the  strictest  economy." 

"But  only  consider,  my  dear  husband,"  said  the  Elec- 


22  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  TPIRONE. 

tress  persuasively — "  only  consider  that  it  is  not  from  high- 
niindedness  or  disobedience  that  the  Electoral  Prince  tarries 
in  Holland.  Indeed,  he  can  not  get  away  while  he  has  no 
money,  and  on  that  very  account  most  urgently  appeals  to 
the  kindest  of  all  fathers,  through  the  Chamberlain  von 
Schlieben,  reverentially  begging  and  beseeching  him  to  extri- 
cate him  from  his  difficulties  by  sending  him  money  enough 
to  pay  his  debts,  and  to  enable  him  to  travel  as  becomes  his 
rank." 

"  Money,  and  always  money!  "  cried  the  Elector,  almost 
in  a  tone  of  despair.  "  0  God!  what  a  tormented,  unhappy 
man  I  am!  Every  one  has  something  to  crave  of  me,  and 
no  one  anything  to  give  me!  When  I  demand  of  the  states, 
provinces,  cities,  citizens,  and  peasants  funds  to  defray  my 
expenses,  then  from  all  sides  I  hear:  'We  have  no  money; 
we  are  so  reduced  that  we  can  pay  no  taxes.'  And  still  all 
these  states,  provinces,  cities,  citizens,  and  peasants  demand 
of  me  money  and  support,  succor  and  alms,  although  they 
know  that  I  have  nothing,  for  they  give  me  nothing.  Money! 
money!  That  word  has  been  my  tormentor  and  enemy  ever 
since  I  began  to  rule;  sleeping  and  waking  that  word  has 
pursued  me.  From  all  officers,  from  all  subalterns  I  have 
heard  it,  as  often  as  they  came  near  me,  and  now  comes  my 
dear  son,  too,  afflicting  and  harassing  his  poor,  unfortunate 
father  with  this  dreaded  word.  But  I  shall  not  suffer  him  to 
employ  this  hated  word  in  his  own  behalf  and  turn  it  against 
me  for  his  own  advantage.  I  shall  not  allow  him  to  remain 
longer  at  The  Hague  under  pretext  that  he  lacks  money  to 
bring  him  home.  He  shall  have  money,  yes,  he  shall  have 
it.    I  shall  see  to  procuring  it.    It  must  be  done." 

"  My  dear  lord  and  husband,"  besought  the  Electress,  "  I 
entreat  you  not  to  be  so  much  excited,  for  it  might  injure 
you." 

"  And  I  entreat  you  to  leave  me  now,  Lady  Electress," 
said  George  William  impatiently.  "  It  is  useless  to  exhort 
one  to  tranquillity  and  composure,  who  has  so  much  reason 
to  be  roused  and  provoked.  But  this  fine  son  of  ours  shall 
pay  for  the  vexation  and  torture  that  he  has  prepared  for 
me.    He  may  reckon  upon  my  setting  it  down  to  his  account. 


EVIL  TIDINGS.  23 

and  not  allowing  myself  to  be  cheated  by  empty  speeches  and 
by  fine  actions  in  word  alone.  You  are  dismissed,  Sir  Cham- 
berlain von  Schlieben!  Badly  enough  have  you  fulfilled  my 
commission,  and  you  may  be  sure  that  never  again  shall  you 
be  selected  as  our  messenger  and  legate!  " 

"  Permit  me,  my  husband,  to  put  in  a  good  word  for  poor 
Schlieben!  "  cried  the  Electress.  "  He  had  no  power  to  bring 
the  Electoral  Prince  away  by  force,  just  as  the  Electoral 
Prince  himself  has  no  power  to  leave  of  his  own  free 
will.  The  whole  difficulty  consists  in  our  son's  having  no 
money." 

"  Yes,  and  right  welcome  is  it  to  him,  this  time,"  said  the 
Elector  with  a  bitter  laugh.  "  As  he  has  no  money,  he  contin- 
ually contracts  more  and  more  debts,  thereby  rendering  the 
pajnnent  more  difficult,  and  the  longer  the  delay  the  longer 
can  the  Prince  remain  in  Holland,  leading  a  merry  life  there. 
But  I  shall  make  an  end  of  it,  an  end!  Schwarzenberg  shall 
come,  and  he  must  and  will  procure  me  the  means.  Excuse 
me.  Lady  Electress,  I  have  business — pressing  business." 

"  I  withdraw,  my  lord  and  husband,"  said  Elizabeth,  bow- 
ing ceremonially,  and,  turning  to  the  Chamberlain  von  Schlie- 
ben, who  was  just  sliding  toward  the  door  with  pale,  dis- 
turbed countenance,  she  continued:  "  Sir  Chamberlain,  fol- 
low me!  You  must  tell  me  more  about  my  dear  Electoral 
Prince  and  all  my  dear  relatives,  whom  you  have  seen  and 
spoken  with  at  The  Hague." 

The  countenance  of  the  chamberlain  lighted  up,  and  with 
a  grateful  glance  he  followed  the  Electress  through  the  side 
door  into  her  own  apartments. 

The  Elector  was  alone.  His  head  sank  upon  his  breast, 
and  he  stood  deeply  absorbed  in  thought.  But  after  a  pause 
he  slowly  raised  his  liead,  and  his  sorrowful  glance  fell  di- 
rectly upon  the  portrait  of  his  father,  John  Sigismund,  whose 
sad,  pale  face  was  turned  toward  him,  with  its  dark,  melan- 
choly eyes. 

"  Poor  father!  "  murmured  the  Elector  with  a  heavy  sigh, 
"  I  understand  quite  well  and  easily  conceive  why  you  volun- 
tarily laid  down  your  power  and  letired  from  the  government 
before  death  had  sent  his  summons.    An  Elector  of  Branden- 


24:  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

burg  has  by  no  means  a  comfortable,  pleasant  life  of  it;  and 
a  sorely  oppressive  inheritance  have  I  received  from  you,  so 
that  I,  too,  might  despair,  and  do  as  you  have  done.  I,  too, 
might  rid  myself  of  the  hard  task  of  seeming  to  be  an  Elector 
and  reigning  sovereign,  while  I  am  naught  but  a  poor,  much- 
tormented  man,  who  has  more  titles  than  lands,  more  debts 
than  mone}^,  and  whose  nation  consists  not  of  obedient  sub- 
jects but  of  obstinate  brawlers,  a  mob  of  would-be  politicians 
and  starved-out  people.  No!  no!  "  he  cried,  interrupting 
himself,  "no!  I  shall  not  give  my  son  so  much  joy.  I  shall  not 
do  him  the  pleasure  of  yielding  up  the  power  to  him,  and 
being  thrown  aside  myself  like  a  squeezed  lemon.  No,  Elec- 
tor I  shall  remain,  and  my  lordly  son  shall  submit  to  the 
paternal  will,  and  return  home.  Schwarzenberg  must  provide 
me  with  the  means.  He  is  the  very  man  for  this — he  under- 
stands it!  " 

The  Elector  reached  out  again  for  his  silver  whistle  and 
sounded  a  shrill  call.  Immediately  one  of  the  outer  doors 
was  opened,  admitting  a  lackey.  The  Elector  had  already 
opened  his  mouth,  to  issue  his  commands,  when  he  suddenly 
grew  dumb  and  looked  at  the  lackey  with  a  still  more  clouded 
brow. 

"  Fellow,"  he  said  angrily,  "  how  dare  you  appear  in  this 
presence  with  such  a  dress?  With  your  short  bearskin  jacket 
and  patched  hose,  you  present  such  a  pitiably  mean  appear- 
ance that  I  am  actually  ashamed  to  behold  you." 

"  Pardon,  your  Electoral  Grace,"  stammered  the  servant 
with  downcast  air,  "  I  can  not  help  it,  and  I  am  woefully 
ashamed  myself  that  I  must  dare  to  come  thus  before  my 
most  gracious  lord  the  Elector.  A  heavy  misfortune  has  hap- 
pened to  my  livery  coat.  I  left  it  hanging  on  a  nail,  and  tore 
a  fearfully  large  three-cornered  rent  in  it,  on  which  the  court 
tailor  says  he  will  have  to  stitch  a  whole  day,  and  even  then 
it  may  not  be  presentable  after  all.  The  livery  coat,  there- 
fore, is  at  the  tailor's,  which  is  the  reason  why  I  must  appear 
in  my  jacket." 

"  You  should  have  put  on  another  coat,"  cried  the  Elector, 
impatiently,  "  for  it  is  contrary  to  respect  that  you  should 
enter  in  such  shabby  style." 


EVIL  TIDINGS.  25 

"  Another  coat?  "  asked  the  lackey,  with  an  expression 
of  the  highest  astonishment.  "  Pardon,  3'onr  Electoral  High- 
ness, I  have  only  that  one  coat!  " 

"What!"  exclaimed  the  Elector.  "Only  one  coat!  Did 
I  not  order  that  new  hvery  coats  should  be  made  for  you 
lackeys  before  our  removal  from  Konigsberg?  " 

"  It  was  done,  your  Electoral  Grace,  we  received  our  new 
livery  coats  before  we  left  Konigsberg." 

"Well,  then,  where  are  the  old  ones?" 

"  Your  Electoral  Grace,  the  master  of  the  wardrobe  sold 
the  old  ones  to  the  Jews  at  Konigsberg,  who  paid  him  a  good 
sum  of  money  for  them,  for  the  old  livery  coats  were  trimmed 
with  genuine  gold  lace,  but  the  new  ones  are  cheaper,  for  it 
is  only  gilt  or " 

"  Hold  your  tongue  and  begone!  "  cried  the  Elector.  "  If 
you  have  no  coat,  then  from  to-day  I  dispense  with  your  serv- 
ices, and  Jocelyn  shall  take  your  place." 

"  Forgive  me,  your  Electoral  Highness,  but  Jocelyn  is  in 
confinement.  The  master  of  the  wardrobe  had  him  put  in 
the  guardhouse  three  daj^s  ago." 

"  Wherefore  then — what  has  Jocelyn  done  that  the  mas- 
ter of  the  wardrobe  should  have  him  put  into  prison?  " 

"  He  was  obstinate,  your  highness.  The  paymaster  has  not 
distributed  to  us  our  wages  for  two  months,  so  that  none  of 
us  has  a  groschen  in  his  pocket.  When  we  reached  Berlin, 
three  days  ago,  Jocel}Ti  found  his  old  mother  miserably  sick 
and  well-nigh  starved,  for  the  Imperialists  have  thoroughly 
pillaged  Berlin,  and  robbed  the  old  woman  of  her  last  pos- 
session. She  had  nothing  to  eat,  and  still  less  could  she  afford 
to  send  for  a  doctor  and  buy  medicines.  So,  in  his  desperation, 
Jocel}Ti  went  to  the  paymaster  and  begged  of  him  his  month's 
wages,  but  was  told  that  he  could  have  nothing  now,  because 
the  journey  from  Prussia  here  had  cost  so  much  money  that 
all  the  coffers  were  empty;  but  that  in  the  course  of  eight 
days  the  paymaster  might  be  in  funds  again,  and  that  then 
we  should  all  have  what  was  due  us.  But,  on  account  of  his 
old  mother,  Jocelyn  could  not  wait,  and  so  in  desperation 
went  off  and  sold  his  new  livery  coat  to  an  old-clothes  man, 
and  carried  the  money  to  his  mother.    And  for  that  reason. 


26  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

your  Electoral  Grace,  poor  Jocelyn  now  sits  in  the  guard- 
house." 

The  Elector  had  turned  away,  and  gazed  from  the  window 
down  into  the  pleasure  garden,  the  branches  of  whose  green 
trees  nearly  touched  the  windows  of  the  apartment.  He 
could  no  longer  meet  the  glance  of  the  lackey  Conrad;  he 
would  not  have  him  witness  his  mortification  and  the  painful 
twitehings  of  his  mouth.  But  after  a  while  he  turned  again 
to  old  Conrad,  who  had  crept  softly  toward  the  door,  not 
venturing  to  go  out  without  permission  from  his  master. 

"  You  see  well,  old  man,"  said  the  Elector  confidentially, 
"  that  our  affairs  are  not  in  so  prosperous  a  condition  as  for- 
merly when  you  entered  my  service,  and  were  the  body  serv- 
ant of  the  merry,  cheerful  young  Electoral  Prince.  Now 
that  Electoral  Prince  has  become  a  very  sad,  serious,  and 
poverty-stricken  Elector,  who  has  lived  through  much  afflic- 
tion, and  must  content  himself,  despite  his  glorious  title, 
with  being  a  poor  tormented  man,  and  therefore  also  a  pee- 
vish man.  I  was  once  otherwise;  that  you  know.  But  debts 
make  the  wildest  tame  and  the  most  joyous  fretful,  as  you  see 
in  me,  old  Conrad.    But  now  listen!  " 

He  stepped  to  his  writing  table  and  drew  forth  a  long 
purse  with  meshes  of  green  silk  and  gold.  Carefully  counting, 
he  shook  some  money  out  of  the  purse  into  his  hand  and  then 
handed  it  to  Conrad. 

"  Conrad,  there  are  twelve  dollars.  Do  you  know  the  Jew 
to  whom  Jocelyn  sold  his  livery  coat?  " 

"  Yes,  I  know  him,  your  highness." 

"  Then  go,  Conrad,  and  buy  back  the  coat.  How  much  did 
the  Jew  pay  for  it?  " 

"  Six  dollars,  your  Electoral  Highness." 

"  Eeturn  him  five  dollars  for  it,  and  tell  him  that  the 
dollar  subtracted  is  by  way  of  punishment  for  his  having 
dared  to  purchase  the  coat  of  one  of  the  servants  belonging 
to  the  electoral  household,  for  he  must  know  that  it  is  not 
the  lackey's  but  electoral  property.  But  if  the  Jew  ventures 
to  grumble,  then  say  to  him  that  I  shall  have  him  watched 
and  his  false  dealings  inquired  into.  When  you  have  obtained 
the  coat,  carry  it  to  the  master  of  the  wardrobe,  and  tell  him 


EVIL  TIDINGS.  27 

to  release  Jocelyn  from  the  guardlioiise  and  permit  him  to 
wear  his  coat  again.  Say  to  him  that  it  is  my  command. 
And  now  go  and  attend  to  this  matter  for  me." 

"  Forgive  me,  your  Electoral  Grace,  but  I  know  not  yet 
what  to  do  with  the  rest  of  the  money.  When  I  shall  have 
redeemed  Jocelyn's  coat  with  five  dollars,  there  will  yet  re- 
main seven  dollars  besides,  and  I  beg  of  your  highness  to 
point  out  what  disposition  I  must  make  of  them." 

"What  wages  do  the  lackeys  receive  by  the  month?" 

"  One  rixdollar  and  four  groschen,  your  highness!  " 

"  That  makes  four  dollars  and  sixteen  groschen  owing  to 
■yDu  and  Jocelyn,  since  the  paymaster  is  in  your  debt  for  two 
BQonths'  wages.  There  will  still  be  a  remainder  of  two  dollars 
and  eight  groschen,  which  you  must  give  to  Jocelyn  to  take  to 
his  old  mother,  not,  however,  as  if  it  came  from  me,  but  as 
his  own  gift." 

*'Ah!  your  Electoral  Highness,  what  a  kind,  gracious 
master  you  are!  "  cried  Conrad,  with  tears  in  his  eyes.  "  Only 
extend  this  one  act  of  goodness  and  condescension:  permit 
your  old  Conrad  to  kiss  your  hand  and  thank  you  for  the  favor 
your  highness  has  shown  to  Jocelyn  and  myself,  and  be  not 
offended  at  your  old  servant  for  asking  such  a  thing,  since  it 
is  only  out  of  love  and  hearty  respect." 

"  I  know  it,  Conrad,  I  know  it,"  said  the  Elector,  reaching 
out  Ms  hand  to  the  old  man,  and  permitting  liini  to  press  it 
to  his  Hps.  "  I  know  your  good,  faithful  heart,  which  has 
never  swerved  from  its  duty  these  twenty  years  that  you  have 
been  in  my  service.  Go  now,  old  man,  and  do  as  I  have  bidden 
you.  B«t  hear!  No  one  need  know  that  I  have  paid  you  and 
Jocelyn  your  month's  wages,  for  then  they  would  all  come 
to  be  paid  by  me;  and  the  paymaster  was  quite  right — our 
coffers  are  empty,  and  we  must  take  account  of  everything 
until  they  are  filled  again.  Keep  silent,  then,  both  of  you. 
I  shall  tell  the  paymaster  myself  that  I  have  just  meddled  a 
little  in  his  affairs. 

"  But  now,  hear  one  thing  more,  Conrad.  Go  straightway 
across  into  Br-oad  Street,  to  the  house  of  his  excellency  the 
Stadtholder  io  the  Mark,  Count  von  Schwarzenberg.  We 
request  his  excellency  to  take  the  trouble  to  come  immediately 


28  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

to  us.  Say  from  me  that  we  have  weighty  business  to  transact 
with  him  that  admits  of  no  delay.  Therefore,  we  entreat  his 
excellency  to  come  hither  forthwith." 

"  Pardon,  your  highness/'  said  Conrad,  anxiously  and  con- 
fusedly; "  my  dresscoat  is  still  at  the  court  tailor's.  Must  I 
go  across  in  my  jacket?  At  the  Stadtholder's  everything  is 
so  fearfully  fine  and  stately.  The  lackeys,  too,  put  on  such 
airs  that  an  electoral  lackey  can  not  stand  up  to  them  at  all; 
they  are,  besides,  haughty,  supercilious  fellows,  who  think 
themselves  very  grand,  and  fancy  they  are  something  quite 
uncommon,  and  almost  more  than  one  of  us,  who  are  court 
lackeys  to  your  highness.  Would  it  not  make  the  fellows  re- 
joice to  see  me  in  this  jacket  and " 

"  Never  mind;  go  across  in  your  jacket,"  said  the  Elector, 
laughing.  "  Eemember  always  that  you  are  the  servant  of  the 
master,  and  those  spruce  fellows  but  the  lackeys  of  the  serv- 
ant, although  I  must  say  that  the  servant  is  a  much  richer, 
more  magnificent  man  than  his  master,  Eun  and  bring  the 
Stadtholder  to  me!  " 


III. — Count  Adam  von  Schwaezenberg. 

"  I  THANK  you.  Master  Gabriel  Metzel,  I  thank  you  with 
my  whole  heart,  for  yoi:  have  indeed  prepared  me  a  great 
pleasure,"  cried  Count  Adam  von  Schwarzenberg,  at  the  same 
time  nodding  pleasantly  to  the  young  man  who  stood  beside 
him.  Then  he  was  lost  again  in  contemplation  of  the  picture 
before  which  they  both  stood,  and  which  was  mounted  upop 
an  easel  in  one  of  the  deep  bay  windows  of  the  lofty  apart- 
ment. 

"  I  well  knew  that  my  most  gracious  lord  would  take  pleas- 
ure in  this  glorious  work  of  art,"  said  Master  Gabriel  Nietzel, 
smiling,  "  and  therefore  have  I  spared  neither  expense,  toil, 
nor  danger  in  bringing  to  your  excellency  this  noble  paint- 
ing of  the  great  Italian  master." 

"  And  I  am  astonished  that  you  have  succeeded,  master," 


COUNT  ADAM  VON  SCHWARZENBERG.  29 

exclaimed  the  count,  changing  his  position  before  the  picture, 
in  order  to  examine  it  in  a  new  light,  from  a  different  point 
of  view. 

"  Most  gracious  sir,  if  I  had  had  in  the  box  which  I  guarded 
so  closely  hams  or  other  edibles,  instead  of  this  picture,  or 
even  articles  of  clothing  or  munitions  of  war,  then  surely  I 
should  have  failed  in  bringing  it  here  from  Italy,  consider- 
ing all  the  bands  of  soldiers  and  robbers  who  fly  through 
the  German  empire  now,  like  a  swarm  of  bees,  and  like  locusts 
leave  in  their  train,  wherever  they  alight,  want  and  wretched- 
ness." 

"  Yes,  yes,"  cried  Count  Schwarzenberg,  with  a  short, 
peculiar  laugh,  "  right  ill  things  look  throughout  this  holy 
German  empire;  poverty,  war,  and  pestilence  are  the  locusts 

of  which  you  speak,  and But  why  do  you  remind  me 

of  these  unpleasant  things?  Let  me  enjoy  one  quarter  of 
an  hour's  refreshment  and  joy.  Let  me  forget  care  for  just 
a  little  while,  and  feast  my  eyes  upon  the  sight  of  this  glorious 
woman!  " 

"  It  is  a  Venus,"  said  Master  Gabriel  with  diffidence,  "  the 
so-called  Venus  with  the  Mirror.  Master  Titian  has  twice 
painted  this  design,  only  that  in  one  picture  two  Cupids  ap- 
pear, while  the  other  shows  only  one  Love." 

"  Very  naturally,"  laughed  the  count.  "  When  the  great 
Titian  painted  the  first  picture  one  Love  only  existed,  while 
at  the  second  representation  a  second  Love  had  arrived  for 
the  beautiful  woman,  to  her  own  ineffable  delight  and  that  of 
her  beloved  Master  Titiano  Vecellio." 

"  Pardon,  your  excellency,"  remarked  Master  Gabriel, 
"  indeed  the  painting  represents  a  Venus." 

"  There  you  are  now,  poor  child  of  man,"  cried  Scht7arz- 
enberg,  laughing  aloud,  "  so  properly  reserved  and  st*  affect- 
edly modest!  A  mere  woman  in  her  primitive  beauty  would 
wound  your  sense  of  propriety,  and  you  would  not  venture 
to  look  at  her,  but  a  goddess  has  permission  to  appear  with- 
out earthly  clothing,  and  you  dare,  casting  reserve  aside,  to 
lift  your  eyes  to  her  glorious  form.  And  besides,  in  your 
humility  and  modesty,  you  tliink  tliat  a  woman  of  such  godlike 
shape  may  not  be  found  upon  earth,  therefore  you  exalt  her 


30  THE   HEIK  TO  THE  THRONE. 

to  the  gods,  and  therefore  you  call  her  a  Venus,  who  is  only 
the  most  voluptuous,  beautiful,  and  charming  of  women." 

With  upraised  finger  Master  Gabriel  pointed  toward  the 
naked  little  boys  who,  exquisitely  fair,  stood  behind  Venus 
and  held  her  mirror  for  her. 

"  That  is  an  angel,  as  your  grace  sees,  for  he  has  wings 
upon  his  shoulders,"  he  said,  timidly. 

But  Count  Adam  von  Schwarzenberg  hastily  took  the 
master's  finger  and  directed  it  to  another  part  of  the  picture. 

"  It  is  a  woman,"  he  cried,  laughing,  "  for  she  has  flung 
a  covering  around  her  hips,  and  you  can  never  make  me  be- 
lieve that  Venus  upon  Olympus  wore  velvet  edged  with  ermine. 
But  let  us  quit  this  strife!  A  beautiful  woman  is  always  a 
goddess,  and  he  who  would  not  acknowledge  that  would  be 
a  real  heathen  and  barbarian.  I  will  therefore  comply  with 
your  wish,  and  entitle  this  wondrous  woman  a  Venus.  And 
T  keep  her,  your  Venus.  Name  the  price,  master,  and  you 
shall  immediately  receive  your  pay." 

"  I  paid  two  thousand  ducats  for  the  painting  in  Cre- 
mona, where  I  had  the  good  luck  to  discover  it,  on  my  return 
from  Eome,"  replied  Master  Gabriel  Nietzel,  with  anxious 
countenance  and  timid  manner,  as  if  he  dreaded  an  explosion 
of  wrath  on  the  part  of  the  count,  who  was  everywhere  recog- 
nized and  decried  as  avaricious  and  greedy  of  gain.  "  Add 
to  that  two  hundred  ducats  to  cover  my  bare  outlay  for  the 
packing  and  freight.  The  rest,  which  concerns  my  trouble 
and  need,  and  the  perils  I  endured  when  we,  that  is  to  say, 
Venus  and  I,  were  seized  by  bands  of  soldiers  and  ransomed — 
all  this  can  not  be  calculated,  and  in  humility  I  leave  it  to 
your  grace  to  compensate  me  as  you  may  see  fit." 

"  Two  thousand  ducats  for  the  picture,  two  hundred  for 
expenses  incurred!  A  tolerably  high  price,  indeed,  for  a  little 
piece  of  painted  canvas!  "  cried  the  count,  with  a  smile.  "  For 
that  amount  a  whole  regiment  of  Brandenburg  soldiers  might 
be  armed  and  equipped,  to  aid  the  Elector  in  conquering  his 
dukedom  of  Pomerania.  But  what  is  that  dirty,  clown-trodden, 
commonplace  Pomerania  in  comparison  with  this  heavenly 
woman,  or,  if  you  prefer,  this  earthly  Venus.  Go,  Master 
Qabriel,  go  directly  to  my  treasurer,  and  get  him  to  count 


COUNT  ADAM   VON  SCHWARZENBERG.  31 

out  to  you  three  thousand  ducats.  Eight  hundred  ducats 
for  your  toil  and  danger.     Are  you  content,  master?  " 

"  Your  excellence,  you  pay  like  the  greatest  of  lords  and 
emperors!  "  cried  the  painter,  with  joy-beaming  countenance. 
"  You  make  me  forever  your  debtor,  and  so  long  as  I  live  I 
shall  be  ready  to  serve  you." 

"  Now,  if  you  mean  that  in  earnest,  Gabriel,  an  oppor- 
tunity presents  itself  at  this  very  time." 

"  Try  me,  your  excellency,  give  me  a  commision,  how- 
ever difficult,  and  my  most  gracious  lord  shall  be  forced 
to  admit  that  I  have  executed  it  most  faithfully  and  val- 
iantly." 

"  Now  listen,  then,  master!  I  herewith  constitute  you 
my  agent;  I  take  you  into  my  pay  and  service.  Were  I  a 
reigning  prince,  then  I  should  say,  I  make  you  my  court 
painter;  but  being  only  the  little  Count  Schwarzenberg, 
the " 

"  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark,"  interrupted  Gabriel,  with 
ready  glibness  of  tongue,  "  Grand  Master  of  the  Order  of  St. 
John,  first  counselor  and  minister  of  the  Elector  of  Branden- 
burg, president  of  the  electoral  counsel  of  state,  lord  and 
owner  of  many  lands  and  estates,  count  of  the  empire, 
and " 

"  Silence,  silence!  enough  of  that!  "  exclaimed  the  count, 
waving  him  off.  "  It  is  with  me,  as  with  the  Elector.  We 
both  have  manifold  titles,  but  they  bring  us  in  little  enough, 
and  no  money  appertains  to  them.  You  have  sketched  me 
graphically,  master;  be  quiet  now,  and  listen  to  me  again  in 
silence.  I  therefore  take  you  into  my  pay  and  service,  and 
give  you  from  this  day  forward  an  annuity  of  five  hundred 
dollars,  which  will  be  delivered  to  you  quarterly.  TTush, 
hush!  do  not  speak!  I  read  a  question  in  your  eyes  and  fea- 
tures, and  I  will  forthwith  supply  the  answer.  Your  question 
runs.  What  have  I  to  do  for  this  annuity?  And  the  answer 
is,  Travel  about  in  the  world  as  a  free  man  to  hunt  up  pictures, 
and  when  they  are  worth  it,  to  purchase  them  for  me.  But 
above  all  things,  to  tell  no  one  that  you  are  in  my  service,  but 
to  keep  this  as  a  secret  between  us  two.  Pictures  you  must 
buy  for  me;  that  is  all  you  have  to  do,  master.     But  some- 


32  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

times  you  must  allow  me  to  dictate  to  you — where  to  journey 
in  quest  of  my  pictures.  For  example,  now:  You  have  been 
in  Italy,  prosecuting  your  studies  there,  and  have  opportunely 
brought  home  to  me,  thence,  a  Venus,  because  I  desired  you 
to  make  a  few  purchases  for  me.  You  have  seen  how  de- 
lighted I  was  with  the  beautiful  picture,  but,  on  the  whole, 
I  have  taken  a  greater  fancy  to  landscapes  and  representa- 
tions of  comedy,  and  the  Flemish  painters  are  the  ones  I 
peculiarly  admire.  There  are  the  Teniers,  father  and  son, 
who  have  painted  the  most  charming  and  amusing  country 
scenes  and  comic  pieces,  and  there  is  another  young  man, 
Wouvermann  by  name,  who  is  said,  although  youthful  in 
years,  to  possess  great  talents,  and  to  understand  not  merely 
how  to  paint  splendid  clowns,  but  battle  scenes  as  well.  Now%  I 
should  like  of  all  things  to  possess  a  couple  of  pictures  by  each 
of  these  three  painters,  and  since  the  Teniers  lived  at  Amster- 
dam and  The  Hague,  and  Wouvermann  now  resides  at  The 
Hague,  I  wish  you  to  go  to  The  Hague  and  make  a  few  pur- 
chases there  for  me.  But,  mark  well,  without  saying  that 
you  come  there  in  my  employ,  or  that  you  have  a  contract 
wdth  me.  I  should  much  prefer  your  assuming  the  appearance 
of  belonging  to  my  enemies,  and  sounding  in  unison  with 
them  the  trumpet  of  abuse." 

"  Your  excellency,  how  could  I  venture  it,  and  how  can 
you  require  of  my  grateful  heart,  that  it  so  belie  itself,  and 
allow  my  lips  to  speak  other  than  words  of  gratitude  and 
reverence?  " 

"  I  empower  you  so  to  do.  Master  Gabriel  Nietzel,  yes,  I 
require  it  of  you,  that  you  carry  such  words  upon  your  lips, 
especially  if  you  are  in  the  presence  of  the  Electoral  Prince 
Frederick  William." 

"The  Electoral  Prince?"  asked  the  painter  in  astonish- 
ment. "  Your  excellency  will  send  me  to  the  Electoral  Prince 
at  The  Hague?" 

"  On  the  contrary,  you  shall  act  before  him  as  if  you  hated 
me,  and  belonged  to  the  party  of  my  opponents.  But  you 
must  by  all  means  reach  the  Electoral  Prince,  must  seek  to 
remain  in  his  neighborhood,  and  to  gain  his  confidence.  You 
are  a  lively  fellow,  and  have  studied  life  at  its  fountains  in 


COUKT  ADAM    VON  SCHWARZENBERG.  33 

Italy.  The  Electoral  Prince  loves  gay  company,  and  ^'ou  may 
impart  to  him  a  little  of  your  knowledge  of  life,  and  teach 
him  that  youth  must  enjoy  without  scruple  or  reserve.  Be 
his  maitre  deplaisir,  Master  Gabriel;  lead  him  into  the  temple 
of  art,  and  teach  liim  that  each  fair  woman  is  a  Venus,  a  god- 
dess, and  therefore  deserWng  of  his  worship.  You  are  a  clever 
painter,  and  also,  as  I  have  heard  from  Rome,  know  well  how 
to  sip  of  life's  sweets;  and  these  are  two  fine  talents,  which 
you  must  convert  into  money.  For  this  purpose  I  send  you 
to  Holland.  You  are  to  buy  pictures  for  me  and  to  help  the 
Electoral  Prince  to  while  away  the  hours  and  enjoy  life.  I 
shall  rejoice  if  you  succeed,  and  it  would  be  agreeable  to  me 
for  you  to  transmit  to  me  exact  accounts,  every  week,  of  your 
efforts,  and  of  the  life  3'ou  lead  there  with  the  Electoral  Prince. 
You  can  write.  Master  Gabriel  Metzel  ?  " 

"  Yes,  I  can  write;  but " 

"  Well,  what  signifies  that  but,  and  wherefore  do  you  look 
all  at  once  so  gloomy  and  so  cross?  Peradventure  my  com- 
mission does  not  please  you?  " 

"  No,  your  excellency,  it  does  not  please  me,  and  I  can  not 
undertake  it!  "  cried  Master  Gabriel,  indignantly.  "  You  send 
me  to  The  Hague,  not  as  a  painter,  but — let  me  call  the  thing 
by  its  right  name — but  as  a  spy,  and,  what  is  yet  more,  as  the 
corrupter  of  the  Electoral  Prince!  " 

"  And  that  pleases  not  your  virtue  and  your  honesty?  " 
asked  the  count,  shrugging  his  shoulders.  "  Well,  good  then, 
dear  master!  Stick  to  it!  Let  all  that  we  have  said  to  one 
another  be  unsaid.  Remain  an  honorable,  independent  hero 
of  virtue,  paint  pictures,  and  see  to  it  that  you  sell  them,  and 
if  you  do  not  succeed,  then  be  contented  to  paint  signboards 
for  merchants  and  their  walls  for  burghers,  and  console  your- 
self with  this,  that  you  have  refused  a  higher  career  from 
principles  of  virtue  and  magnanimity.  Take  your  Venus, 
iVIaster  Champion  of  Virtue;  I  had  not  commissioned  the  pur- 
chase, and  she  is  too  dear  for  me.  We  are  released  from  our 
mutual  obligations,  and  have  nothing  more  to  do  with  one 
another.    Go!  " 

"  Will  not  your  excellency  keep  the  picture?  "  asked  Niet- 
zel,  shocked,  great  drops  of  agony  standing  upon  his  pale 


34:  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

brow.  "  Will  not  your  excellency  indemnify  me  for  all  my 
labors  and  expenses,  and  shall  I  go  from  you  with " 

"  With  the  proud  consciousness  of  your  virtue,"  said  the 
count,  completing  his  sentence  for  him.  "  Yes,  that  you  shall, 
Master  Gabriel.  You  shall  bear  in  mind  that  Count  von 
Schwarzenberg  would  have  taken  you  into  his  service,  and  that 
you  declined  it,  thereby  exciting  his  wrath  a  little,  which, 
as  I  have  been  told,  has  seldom  turned  to  the  advantage  of 
those  who  have  roused  it,  but  always  to  their  injury.  How- 
ever, you  care  nothing  for  that;  you  defy  the  wrath  of  the 
Stadtholder  in  the  Mark,  you " 

"  No  farther,  please,  your  excellency,  no  farther!  "  cried 
out  Gabriel,  pale  as  death.  "  Forgive  my  excitement  and  my 
struggles.  I  pray  you  to  forget  my  improper  words,  and  accept 
me  for  your  humble  and  obedient  servant.  You  must  do  me 
the  favor  to  keep  the  Venus  of  Master  Titiano  Vecellio,  for 
she  is  my  only  possession,  and  I  have  given  away  my  whole 
property  in  her  purchase." 

"  Speak  more  clearly,  master!  "  cried  the  count.  "  You 
mean  to  say  I  must  keep  your  copy  of  the  Venus,  and  pay 
for  it  as  if  it  were  an  original  one,  for  on  that  you  base  all 
your  hopes." 

"Your  excellency!  "  stammered  Master  Gabriel  in  terror, 
"  you  do  not  suppose " 

"  That  this  painting  here  is  a  copy,  which  you  executed, 
and  afterward  hung  up  a  couple  of  days  in  the  chimney,  to 
give  it  the  appearance  of  a  picture  an  hundred  years  old? 
Yes,  my  good  man,  I  do  indeed  suppose  so,  and  willingly  grant 
you  my  testimony  to  the  effect  that  you  have  very  faithfully 
copied  Titian,  and  expended  much  toil  and  trouble  upon  it." 

"  Most  gracious  count,  I  swear  to  you,  that  I  have  been 
slandered — that " 

"  Swear  no  oath,"  said  the  count  earnestly  and  severely. 
"  You  did  not  buy  this  picture  at  Cremona,  but  copied  it  in 
the  palace  Grimani  at  Venice,  and  worked  upon  it  three  whole 
months.  You  see  I  am  well  informed,  and  have  my  friends 
everywhere  who  furnish  me  with  intelligence,  and  regard  it 
as  an  honor  to  be  my — spies,  as  you  would  say." 

"  Mercy,  gracious  lord,  mercy!  "  cried  Nietzel,  bursting 


COUNT  ADAM  VON  SCHWARZENBERG.  35 

into  tears,  and  sinking  upon  his  knees  before  the  proud,  lofty 
form  of  the  count.  "  Pardon  for  my  crime,  for  my  presump- 
tion! I  was  in  such  great  want  and  distress  that  I  knew  not 
how  else  to  help  myself,  and  I  swear  to  you  that  my  copy  is 
so  faithful  and  'xact  that  it  can  not  be  distinguished  from 
its  original." 

"  Well,  no  matter;  we  shall  hang  it  up  as  an  original,  and 
allow  it  to  be  inspected  by  the  connoisseurs  of  the  electorate," 
said  the  count,  laughing.  "  I  keep  your  Titiano  Vecellio,  Mas- 
ter Nietzel,  and  consequently  pay  you  three  thousand  ducats 
for  this  excellent  original.  That  you  may  see  how  much 
in  earnest  I  am  I  will  immediately  give  you  an  order  upon 
m}"-  treasurer,  and  you  may  forthwith  receive  that  sum." 

He  approached  his  writing  table,  rapidly  dashed  off  a  few 
words  upon  a  strip  of  paper,  and  then  handed  it  to  the  painter. 
"  There,  take  it.  Master  Gabriel  Nietzel,  and  collect  your 
money." 

The  painter  gave  him  a  long,  astonished  gaze.  "  You  for- 
give me,  your  excellency,"  he  said;  "  you  accept  my  high  esti- 
mate, although  you  know  that  I  have  cheated  you  and  that 
this  is  only  a  copy?  " 

"  What  difference  does  that  make  ?  The  picture  is  beau- 
tiful, and  it  gives  me  pleasure  to  look  at  it,  and  that  is  the 
only  thing,  after  all,  that  I  can  require  of  a  painting." 

Master  jSTietzel  hastily  seized  the  count's  hand,  and  pressed 
it  to  his  lips.  "  Most  gracious  sir,"  he  cried,  "  you  have  pur- 
chased my  Venus  with  your  money,  my  heart  with  your  mag- 
nanimity! Henceforth  I  am  yours,  body  and  soul,  and  it  is 
just,  as  if " 

"  As  if  you  had  leagued  yourself  with  the  devil,  is  it  not?  " 
laughed  the  count. 

"  No,  as  if  I  had  no  longer  any  other  will  than  yours — 
that  is  what  I  wished  to  say,  most  gracious  lord.  Only  com- 
mand me,  say  what  I  must  do,  and  it  shall  be  done." 

"  You  go,  then,  to  Holland,  and  purchase  pictures  there 
for  me,  and  study  the  Flemish  painters?  " 

"  I  will  go  to  Holland,  your  excellency." 

"  You  will  seek  to  gain  access  to  the  Electoral  Prince,  to 
acquire  influence  over  him,  and  to  cheer  him  up  a  little?  " 


36  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

"  I  shall  do  as  your  grace  directs." 

"  You  will  send  me  weekly  a  written  statement  of  all 
that  you  see  and  hear  there?  " 

"  I  shall  send  you  a  written  statement,"  replied  Gabriel, 
with  downcast  eyes  and  a  hardly  suppressed  sigh. 

The  count  saw  it  and  smiled  contemptuously.  "  You  will 
write  these  reports  to  me  in  ciphers,  which  I  shall  acquaint 
you  with,  and  swear  to  me  that  you  will  give  the  key  to  these 
ciphers  to  no  human  being?  " 

"  I  swear  it,  your  excellency." 

"  Now,  since  you  are  so  docile  and  obedient,  my  dear 
Master  Gabriel,  I  shall  raise  your  salary.  I  had  promised  you 
an  annuity  of  five  hundred  dollars — I  shall  now  make  it  six 
hundred  dollars.  Hush!  no  word  of  thanks;  I  can  imagine 
them  all  or  read  them  in  your  countenance,  and  that  satisfies 
me.  Only  one  thing  remains  to  be  decided.  From  whom  will 
you  receive  letters  of  recommendation  to  the  Electoral 
Prince  ?  " 

"  Your  excellency,  I  believe  the  Electress  will  have  the 
kindness  to  furnish  me  with  a  letter  of  recommendation  to 
her  son.  Her  most  gracious  highness  is  very  favorably  in- 
clined toward  me  because  I  painted  from  memory  a  minia- 
ture of  the  Electoral  Prince,  and  presented  it  to  her.  Since 
then  she  has  been  very  condescending  to  me,  and  never  refuses 
me  admittance  to  her  presence,  and  I  may  as  well  acknowl- 
edge to  your  excellency  that  a  few  days  ago  the  Electress 
hinted  at  the  probability  of  a  position  being  offered  me  as 
electoral  court  painter." 

The  count  laughed  aloud.  "  I  congratulate  you,  master, 
and  especially  upon  the  salary  which  will  be  attached  to  the 
office.  Only  do  not  be  puffed  up  and  reject  the  little  I  have 
offered  you,  which  you  can  always  draw  in  secret,  even  when 
you  have  become  electoral  court  painter.  It  is  well  for  affairs 
to  stand  thus  just  at  this  juncture,  for  it  will  be  easy  for  the 
electoral  court  painter  to  gain  access  to  the  Electoral  Prince, 
and  to  be  received  into  the  number  of  his  household.  Eepair 
to  the  Electress  forthwith,  tell  her  that  you  wish  to  travel  to 
Holland  in  order  to  prosecute  your  artistic  studies  there,  and 
come  to  me  early  to-morrow  morning  and  acquaint  me  with 


COUNT  ADAM  VON  SCHWARZENBERG.  37 

the  result  of  jour  audience.  Farewell,  Master  Gabriel;  go 
first  to  my  treasurer  and  then  to  the  Electress.  No,  no,  say- 
nothing  more;  no  protestations,  no  word  of  thanks.  I  know 
you — that  is  enough." 

With  proud,  courtly  mien  he  nodded  to  the  painter  in 
token  of  dismissal,  waved  his  hand  toward  the  door,  and  then 
seated  himself  in  the  window  niche  beside  the  Venus,  turn- 
ing his  back  to  the  room. 

Abashed  and  humiliated,  Gabriel  slunk  away,  and  not 
until  the  sound  of  the  closing  door  gave  warning  of  his  de- 
parture did  the  count  turn  around.  His  gaze  was  fixed  upon 
the  Venus,  who  in  her  wanton  beauty  met  liis  looks  with  dark, 
flashing  eyes. 

"  You  have  cost  me  much,  fair  signora,"  he  said,  shrug- 
ging his  shoulders.  "  Three  thousand  ducats  for  a  copy! 
Who  knows  whether  Titiano  Vecellio  was  paid  more  for  his 
original  in  his  own  time?  Ah!  you  poor,  beautiful  woman, 
how  dismal  and  cheerless  it  will  seem  to  you  in  the  cold  north, 
and  how  much  you  will  miss  the  golden  light  of  your  sunny 
Italian  home  here  in  this  dirty  northern  Mark!  We  two  must 
console  one  another,  and  try  to  forget  that  we  do  not  live  in 
5'our  own  fair  Italy,  but  here,  here,  where  there  is  more  rain 
than  sunshine,  and  where  in  place  of  music  we  often  hear 
nothing  but  the  grunting  of  swine  and  the  bleating  of  sheep!  " 

And,  as  if  in  confirmation  of  his  words,  just  then  was  heard 
from  the  street  a  loud  tumult,  a  confused  discord  of  grunts 
and  squeals.  The  count  turned  from  the  Italian  beauty,  and 
looked  out  into  the  street,  or,  rather,  the  great  square  front- 
ing his  palace.*  The  rain,  which  had  streamed  down  inces- 
santly for  a  few  days  past,  had  drenched  the  unpaved  ground, 
and  here  and  there,  where  the  soil  was  impermeable  to 
moisture,  had  formed  puddles  and  pools.  These,  the  sheep 
and  hogs,  which  were  ensconced  in  stalls  before  the  houses, 
had  chosen  for  their  pleasure  ground,  and  whole  herds  of 

*  This  palace  of  Count  Schwarzenberj^  was  situated  on  Broad  Street, 
and  the  open  square  in  front  of  it  was  where  now  stand  the  houses  of  the 
so-called  Stechbahn.  In  the  middle  of  this  square  stood  the  cathedral, 
and  behind  this,  near  the  Spree,  arose  the  electoral  castle.  It  is  the  spot 
where  the  King's  apothecary  now  has  his  stand. 


38  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

them  had  come  to  bathe  in  these  peddles  before  Count 
Schwarzenberg's  palace  and  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  cathe- 
dral. A  few  merry,  naughty  boys,  attracted  by  their  squeal- 
ing and  bleating,  likewise  ventured  into  the  black  sea  of  the 
cathedral  square,  but,  finding  that  they  forthwith  sank  in 
the  same,  they  had  called  for  help,  shouting,  screaming,  and 
laughing,  thereby  attracting  still  other  boys  and  idlers,  who 
now  with  prudent  caution  stood  on  certain  less  saturated  spots, 
and  with  shrieks  of  mockery  and  laughter  watched  the  vain 
efforts  of  the  sunken  boys,  who  were  striving  to  work  them- 
selves out  of  the  morass.  Such  was  the  melancholy  picture 
that  presented  itself  to  Count  Adam  von  Schwarzenberg,  and 
he  gazed  upon  it  with  sad  and  gloomy  looks. 

"  And  this  is  the  residence  of  the  Stadtholder  in  the 
Mark!"  he  sighed — "the  outlook  of  von  Schwarzenberg, 
count  of  the  empire!  Oh!  it  shall  be  otherwise!  Out  of  this 
pigstye  Berlin,  I  will  construct  a  neat  and  handsome  resi- 
dence for  myself,  from  this  miserable  house  a  splendid  palace 
shall  spring  forth,  and  all  the  arts  and  sciences  shall  find  their 
patron  in  the  lord  commanding  in  the  Mark,  when  he  is  no 
longer  merely  called  Stadtholder,  but " 

He  looked  anxiously  behind  him,  as  if  he  dreaded  being 
overheard  by  some  one.  "Hush!"  he  murmured  then,  "be 
still!  There  are  thoughts  and  plans  which  may  never 
find  expression  in  words,  but,  like  Minerva  from  the  brain  of 
Jupiter,  must  come  forth  ready  for  action,  spear  in  hand. 
Creep  back  into  my  heart,  and  never  let  it  be  perceived 
that  you  are  there,  until  the  right  hour  shall  come,  the 
hour " 

He  was  silent,  and  again  glanced  searchingly  around. 
Then,  taking  the  silver  whistle  from  his  writing  table,  he 
let  ring  forth  a  shrill,  loud  call.  A  lackey  in  rich  livery,  its 
original  material  totally  hidden  beneath  a  mass  of  golden 
trappings  and  silver  lace,  appeared  in  the  doorway. 

"  Who  is  in  the  antechamber?  "  asked  the  count,  casting 
a  long,  last  glance  upon  the  Venus,  and  then  covering  her 
again  with  the  green  stuff  that  hung  at  the  corner  of  the 
frame. 

"  Most    gracious    excellency,    both    entrance    halls    are 


COUNT  ADAM  VON  SCHWARZENBERG.  39 

crammed  quite  full  of  men  of  every  rank  and  calling,  for  this 
is  the  hour  for  public  audience." 

"Are  many  uniforms  present?" 

"  If  you  please,  your  excellency,  very  many.  Besides  Gen- 
eral von  Klitzing  and  Colonel  Conrad  von  Burgsdorf,  the 
Colonels  von  Eochow  and  von  Kracht  are  there." 

"  These  four  gentlemen  must  be  admitted  to  me,"  or- 
dered the  count.  "  The  other  people  had  better  go,  for  I  have 
no  time  to-day  to  grant  audiences.  Well,  why  do  you  stand 
there  loitering?    Why  do  you  not  go?  " 

"  Most  gracious  sir,"  entreated  the  lackey,  "  there  are  so 
many  distinguished  gentlemen  there,  who  have  already  come 
so  often  in  vain,  and  to  whom  I  have  promised  an  audience 
to-day,  in  accordance  with  your  excellency's  express  com- 
mand." 

"  Who,  for  example?  " 

"  For  example,  your  excellency,  the  councilors  of  the  cities 
of  Berlin  and  Cologne,  then  the  states  of  the  duchy  of  Cleves, 
and " 

"  Enough,  enough!  I  see  well  that  these  lords  have  paid 
you  to  put  me  in  mind  of  them,  and  I  shall  therefore  have 
the  complaisance  to  do  honor  to  your  intercession." 

"  Alas!  most  gracious  lord,  I  swear  to  your  grace,  that  no- 
body has  paid  me,  that " 

"  Silence!  I  know  you  all!  "  cried  the  count  contemptu- 
ously. "I  know  that  every  audience  day  brings  as  much 
money  to  you  lackeys  as  it  prepares  discomfort  and  weariness 
for  me.  Pocket  your  money  quietly,  honest  Balthazar;  you 
are  no  worse  than  all  the  rest  of  the  servant  brood  and  there- 
fore I  despise  you  no  more  than  the  rest.  Go,  conduct  hither 
the  military  gentlemen  named  through  the  corridor,  and 
meanwhile  I  shall  take  a  walk  through  the  audience  cham- 
ber and  you  collect  your  pay." 

The  gold-bedizened  lackey  left  the  cabinet  with  reverential 
and  submissive  air.  But  outside,  he  remained  standing  before 
the  closed  door,  and  boldly  lifting  up  his  head,  with  wholly 
altered  face,  hurled  a  look  of  hatred  and  defiance  at  the  door. 

"No  worse  than  all  the  rest  of  the  servant  brood!"  he 
muttered,  raising  his  fist  in  a  threatening  manner — "  no  worse 


40  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

ihan  yourself,  you  should  have  said,  proud  lord..  You  receive 
bribes  as  well  as  we,  take  money  wherever  you  can  get  it,  lend 
upon  pledges,  and  practice  usury  like  any  Jew!  Ah!  we 
know  you,  haughty  count,  the  whole  Mark  of  Brandenburg 
knows  and  detests  you,  and  it  is  a  sin  and  shame  that  we  must 
bow  down  before  the  Catholic  alien,  the  foreigner,  the  im- 
perialist, the  priest-ridden  slave,  and  it  is  a  dreadful  misfor- 
tune that  the  Elector  himself  bows  down  before  him,  and  acts 
as  if  Schwarzenberg  were  lord  here,  and  he  a  mere  servant. 
"Well,"  he  comforted  himself,  letting  his  fist  drop,  "  I  can  not 
alter  it,  and  father  says  what  we  can  not  alter  we  had  better 
submit  to,  and  profit  by  a  little,  if  we  can.  I  will  now  guide 
these  gentlemen  bullies  to  the  count's  cabinet." 

Count  Adam  von  Schwarzenberg  had  meanwhile  opened 
the  door  to  his  little  private  antechamber,  and  caused  to  enter 
his  officiating  equery  and  chamberlain,  von  Lehndorf,  as  also 
his  two  pages  in  waiting. 

"  Lehndorf,"  he  said,  "  what  think  you?  Would  it  be  pos- 
sible to  arrange  a  small  hunting  party  for  to-day?  " 

"  Most  gracious  sir,"  returned  the  chamberlain  joyfully, 
"  the  weather  seems  just  made  for  that.  A  clear,  bright 
October  day,  and  the  does  and  stags  in  the  park  deserve  that 
a  couple  of  dozen  of  them  should  be  shot  down,  for  they  have 
grown  so  bold  that  they  hardly  show  any  longer  their  wonted 
fear  of  man.  Would  your  excellency  believe  that  yesterday 
four  does,  under  the  guidance  of  a  powerful  buck,  were  pleased 
to  issue  forth  from  the  park  behind  the  castle  and  promenade 
a  little  in  the  worshipful  towns  of  Berlin  and  Cologne?  Such 
a  screaming  as  there  was  of  the  street  boys,  who  pursued  the 
beasts,  such  a  grunting  of  hogs,  into  whose  styes  the  does 
sprang  without  respect,  and  such  a  running  of  honorable  city 
women,  who  were  struck  with  fear  of  being  maltreated  by  the 
horned  animals,  who  were  nevertheless  not  their  husbands, 
and  such  a  yelping  of  noble  butcher  dogs,  which  probably  took 
the  does  for  calves  gone  mad!  I  swear,  your  excellency,  it  was 
divine  sport." 

"  You  are  a  blustering  fellow  yourself,"  laughed  the  count, 
"  and  '  Who  loves  to  dance,  ne'er  lacks  the  chance.'  If  you 
are  thus  minded,  we  shall  have  a  little  hunt  to-day,  and  take 


COUNT  ADAM  VON  SCHWA RZENBERG.  41 

it  upon  yourself  to  invite  for  us  a  few  worthy  and  suitable 
gentlemen  who  have  fine  horses  and  dogs." 

"  And  will  not  your  grace  to-day,  in  this  beautiful  weather, 
grant  these  gentlemen  the  pleasure  of  seeing  the  two  new  grey- 
hounds run?  They  have  been  here  eight  days  already,  and 
might  as  well  display  a  little  of  their  skill  for  the  heavy  sum 
of  money  they  have  cost." 

"  Yes,  that  is  true — a  heavy  sum  of  money  they  cost  in- 
deed," said  the  count.  "  My  son  writes  me  that  he  paid  eight 
thousand  dollars  for  these  two  greyhounds."  * 

"  But  they  are  worth  it,  your  excellency,"  cried  the  cham- 
berlain, quite  enthusiastically.  "  They  are  two  wonderful 
animals,  who  have  not  their  match  in  the  wide  world.  I  am 
quite  in  love  with  them,  and  if  I  had  wife  or  ladylove,  would 
gladly  give  her  for  these  two  greyhounds." 

"  Yes,  yes,  many  an  one  would  relish  making  payments 
in  this  fashion,"  laughed  the  count.  "  It  is  easier  to  give  a 
wife  away  than  eight  thousand  dollars,  and  again  she  is  easier 
to  obtain  than  such  a  superior  greyhound.  Hurry  now,  Lehn- 
dorf,  and  arrange  the  hunt  for  me.  Let  the  servants  put  on 
their  new  red  hunting  suits  and  my  huntsman  also  his  new 
livery,  that  the  curious  Berlin  people  may  have  something 
to  gape  at.  Away  with  you,  Lehndorf !  You,  pages,  take  the 
baskets,  now  I  am  off  for  the  audience  hall." 

Both  pages,  in  suits  of  gold-embroidered  velvet,  rushed 
into  the  little  antechamber,  and  quickly  returned,  each  one 
bearing  a  pretty,  shallow  basket  in  his  hand.  Behind  them 
came  the  chamberlain,  who  threw  across  the  count's  shoul- 
ders his  ermine-lined  velvet  mantle,  and  put  into  his  hand 
his  plumed  hat,  trimmed  with  gold  lace,  and  his  embroidered 
gloves.  The  count  hastily  placed  the  tall,  pointed  hat  with 
its  nodding  plumes  upon  his  dark,  curly  hair,  in  whicli  showed 
here  and  there  a  few  silver  streaks,  and  grasped  the  long 
gloves  firmly  in  his  right  hand,  sparkling  with  brilliant  rings. 

"  Open  the  doors!  "  he  said  authoritatively,  and  the  cham- 
berlain flew  before  him,  and  tore  open  both  halves  of  the 
folding  doors.  The  two  halberdiers,  who  stood  near  the  door 
on  the  other  side,  raised  their  halberds,  and  proclaimed  with 
*  A  historical  fact.     Vide  von  Orlich. 


42  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

tliuudering  voices,  "  His  excellency  and  grace,  count  of  the 
empire  and  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark!  " 

Through  the  two  long  apartments,  on  both  sides  of  which 
was  ranged  a  dense  crowd  of  people  of  all  sorts — men  and 
women,  venerable  magistrates  in  solemn  robes  of  office,  and 
soldiers  in  their  uniforms,  poorly  clad  citizens  and  fine-dressed 
gentlemen,  bold-looking  young  ladies  and  respectable  matrons 
in  white  garbs  of  widowhood — through  both  these  long  apart- 
ments flew,  as  it  were,  one  sigh,  one  joyful  breath  of  relief 
and  surprise,  and  all  faces,  the  sad  and  bright,  the  eyes  red- 
dened by  wine  and  night  watches,  as  well  as  those  sparkling 
with  avarice  and  passion,  all  turned  toward  the  lofty,  full  form 
of  the  Stadtholder,  who,  so  proud  and  so  brilliant,  so  august 
and  self-conscious,  stood  upon  the  threshold  of  the  door.  He 
gave  no  salutation;  not  in  the  least  did  he  incline  his  head, 
but  with  one  sharp  look  let  his  large,  gray  eyes  glide  up  and 
down  on  both  sides;  and  this  look  sufficed  to  cause  all  heads 
to  sink  in  reverence,  to  bow  the  proud  and  humble  necks,  so 
deeply,  so  reverentially,  that  high  and  low,  old  and  young, 
poor  and  rich  were  now  all  one  and  the  same — the  petitioners 
of  the  electoral  minister,  the  almighty  Stadtholder  in  the 
Mark! 

He  now  strode  forward,  followed  by  the  two  pages  with 
their  empty  baskets.  But  these  baskets  were  soon  filled,  for 
at  each  step  forward  a  hand  was  stretched  out  to  the  count, 
handing  him  a  written  petition,  and  the  count  took  it  smil- 
ingly, and  with  distinguished  indifference  cast  it  into  one  of 
the  proffered  baskets.  But  before  those  who  had  come  with- 
out written  requests,  and  entreated  a  gracious  personal  hear- 
ing, the  Stadtholder  paused,  and  they  began  hurriedly,  and 
with  embarrassment,  because  they  feared  being  heard  by  their 
neighbors,  to  state  their  wishes.  It  seldom  happened,  how- 
ever, that  the  count  allowed  them  to  speak  to  the  end,  inter- 
rupting them  in  the  midst  of  their  speech  with  a  hasty,  "  Com- 
mit it  to  writing!  commit  it  to  writing!  "  and  striding  on 
with  the  same  lofty  bearing,  the  same  proud,  imperturbable 
equanimity.  Only  when  he  neared  the  spot  where  stood  the 
delegates  of  the  citizens  of  Berlin  and  Cologne  a  cloud  over- 
shadowed his  brow,  and  a  flash  of  anger  shot  from  his  eyes. 


COUNT  ADAM  VON  SCHWARZENBERG.  43 

He  stopped  before  the  burgers,  and  looked  at  them  with 
an  expression  of  cold,  scornful  repose. 

"  What  do  you  want  of  me?  "  he  asked. 

"  Help  in  our  need,  most  gracious  excellency,"  began  the 
spokesman,  "  pity  for  our  misfortunes!  We  can  not  pay  the 
new  war  tax,  we " 

"Ah!  just  see,"  the  count  inten'upted  him  mockingly; 
"  now  you  come  to  me,  to  sue  for  my  favor.  Your  visit,  then, 
to  his  Electoral  Grace,  has  been  in  vain.  The  Elector  has 
not  granted  the  shameless  petition  of  the  citizenship;  he  has 
not  encroached  upon  the  rights  of  the  Stadtholder  appointed 
by  himself  to  rule  here  in  his  stead.  You  have  thought  to 
circumvent  me,  and  hardly  has  the  lord  of  the  land  come 
hither  before  you  must  gain  favors  from  himself.  Well,  see 
what  favors  you  have  obtained!  Hardly  an  hour  ago  you 
walked  with  quick,  proud  steps  into  the  castle  of  his  Electoral 
Grace,  and  now  you  stand  with  humble,  sad  countenances  in 
the  antechamber  of  the  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark!  What  will 
you  have  here,  and  what  have  those  to  do  with  the  Stadtholder 
who  can  converse  with  the  Elector  himself?  " 

"  Pardon,  your  excellency,  as  faithful  and  humble  chil- 
dren of  the  country,  we  turned  fii'st  to  our  father  and 
lord " 

"Now  stick  to  that!"  interrupted  the  count  warmly, 
*'  and  desire  not  to  obtain  from  me  what  the  fatherly  heart 
of  your  beloved  liege  lord  has  denied  you.  Go,  and  never 
again  appear  in  these  parts!  And  you,  too,  my  lords,  deputies 
from  the  duchy  of  Cleves,"  continued  the  count,  striding 
forward  toward  the  deputies — "you,  too,  might  reasonably 
have  spared  yourselves  the  troiible  of  appearing  here.  Who 
has  enjoyed  the  honor  of  being  received  by  his  Electoral  High- 
ness need  have  no  necessity  for  antechambering  at  the  house 
of  his  minister  and  Stadtholder,  for  all  favors  and  all  honors 
flow  from  the  almighty  and  exalted  person  of  the  Elector 
himself,  and  what  he  has  done  is  good,  and  what  he  has  said 
stands  fast  and  is  the  law.  Therefore,  also,  whoever  has  ob- 
tained dismissal  from  his  Electoral  Grace  need  no  more  turn 
to  me,  for  the  sun  has  shone  upon  him,  and  like  myself  he 

stands  in  the  shade." 
4 


44  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

With  these  ambiguous  words  the  Stadtholder  moved  for- 
ward, leaving  the  deputies  covered  with  shame  and  swelling 
with  indignation,  while  his  countenance  had  speedily  bright- 
ened. With  more  friendly  gestures  he  now  accepted  the 
written  petitions,  and  even  listened  patiently  and  condescend- 
ingly to  those  who  had  only  come  with  oral  supplications; 
promised  them  redress  for  their  difficulties,  exhorted  them 
with  loud  voice  to  place  confidence  in  their  Stadtholder,  ap- 
pointed by  the  Elector,  and  to  be  assured  that  whoever  turned 
to  him  would  not  sue  and  plead  in  vain,  if  his  cause  were 
just,  fair,  and  practicable. 

When  the  count  had  finished  his  circuit  and  stood  again 
at  his  cabinet  door,  the  baskets  were  piled  high  with  written 
petitions,  and  the  count,  pointing  to  these  with  outstretched 
right  hand,  on  whose  fingers  sparkled  many  a  costly  jewel, 
asseverated  with  loud  voice  that  he  would  himself  open,  read, 
and  examine  all  these  writings,  and  do  whatever  was  in  his 
power.  Then,  with  a  short,  gracious  nod  of  dismissal,  he 
retired  into  his  cabinet,  followed  by  the  two  pages  with  their 
baskets. 


IV. — SOLDIEES    AND    DIPLOMATISTS, 

Awaiting  Count  von  Schwarzenberg  in  his  cabinet  were 
the  four  officers  whom  the  lackey  had  conducted  there  in 
obedience  to  his  instructions.  They  grew  dumb  in  the  midst 
of  their  conversation  when  the  count  entered,  and  stood  up, 
saluting  him  in  stiff  and  military  style.  Count  Schwarzenberg 
nodded  to  them  in  a  friendly  manner,  and  an  obliging  smile 
played  about  his  thin  and  finely  cut  lips. 

"  Put  the  baskets  on  my  writing  table  and  go  out,"  he 
commanded  the  pages,  and  then  turned  toward  the  gentle- 
men, who  still  stood  there  with  soldierly  stiffness. 

"  Welcome,  my  lord  general,  and  you,  sirs  colonels,"  he  said 
in  playful,  jocular  tone.  "  Trul}^  it  is  a  pleasure  to  see  one's 
self  surrounded  by  such  valiant  soldiers.  If  my  gracious  mas- 
ter the  Elector  had  as  many  such  splendid  soldiers  as  he  has 


SOLDIERS  AND   DIPLOMATISTS.  45 

leaders,  he  would  be  helped  indeed,  and  not  find  it  necessary 
to  battle  with  the  Swedes  for  his  dukedom  of  Pomerania,  for 
then  would  the  Swedes  soon  run  off  conquered." 

''  Just  imagine,  3'our  excellency,"  cried  Colonel  Conrad 
Ton  Burgsdorf,  while  he  stroked  his  long,  gray  mustache  with 
his  broad  fat  hand — "  just  imagine  what  respect  the  Swedes 
would  have  for  such  a  regiment  composed  of  KHtzings, 
Eochows,  and  Krachts." 

"  You  forget  yourself.  Sir  Colonel,"  said  Count  Schwarz- 
enberg,  in  a  friendly,  insinuating  tone;  "  you  forget  to  say 
that  Conrad  von  Burgsdorf  alone  is  a  whole  regiment  in  him- 
self." 

"  Perhaps  that  is  the  reason  why  I  have  in  fact  nothing 
behind  me,"  cried  Colonel  von  Burgsdorf,  with  a  loud,  coarse 
laugh.  "  Yes,  yes,  now  I  know  wh}-  I  have  so  few  soldiers 
behind  me;  the  others  all  concentrate  in  me,  and  it  is  merely 
a  pity  and  shame  that  they  can  not  come  forth  from  me  to 
make  front  against  the  cursed  Swedes." 

"  They  will  come  forth  now,  depend  upon  it;  they  will 
come  forth,"  said  the  count,  with  a  pleasant  smile.  "  My 
lords,  I  have  had  you  summoned  to  confer  with  you  about 
important  and  significant  tidings.  In  the  first  place,  we  shall 
consider  what  relates  to  yourselves,  and  is  therefore  of  great- 
est interest  to  you.  General  von  Klitzing,  henceforth  you  shall 
have  no  cause  to  complain  of  having  a  title  but  no  employ- 
ment. For  from  this  very  day  you  shall  have  employment, 
since  his  Electoral  Grace  designs  forthwith  to  have  regiments 
equipped  and  brought  into  the  field." 

"Hurrah!  now  for  it!"  shouted  Burgsdorf,  waving  his 
right  arm. 

"  I  shout  hurrah,  too,  with  your  ex'^ellency's  permission," 
said  General  von  Klitzing  joyfully.  "  It  has  been  three  months 
since  your  excellency  did  me  the  favor  to  recall  me  here  from 
the  Saxon  service  in  order  to  assume  the  command  of  the 
Brandenburg  troops,  and  I  have  been  in  despair  ever  since, 
for  it  has  been  just  like  acting  a  comedy,  where  they  fight 
with  pasteboard  swords  and  tin  soldiers." 

"  That  was  the  fault  of  the  states  and  cities,  who  would 
not  grant  the  Elector  taxes  for  the  equipment  of  regiments," 


46  THE   HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

returned  the  count,  with  emphasis.  "  Besides,  ever  since  the 
peace  of  Prague  the  Elector  has  heen  pledged  to  neutrality. 
And  if  you  can  take  part  neither  for  nor  against,  can  fight 
neither  for  friend  nor  foe,  then  it  is  better  to  have  no  soldiers, 
and  no  swords  that  can  not  be  unsheathed.  But  now  all  will 
be  different,  and  therefore  the  Elector  nominates  you.  Gen- 
eral von  Klitzing,  commandant  general  of  all  the  Branden- 
burg fortresses,  their  garrisons,  and  all  the  electoral  forces 
collectively." 

"  That  is  indeed  an  important  and  honorable  appoint- 
ment," cried  the  general,  "  and  I  shall  esteem  myself  happy 
if  I  can  now  succeed  in  bringing  the  electoral  forces  into 
action." 

"  That  must  be  done  the  first  thing,  general,  yes,  indeed, 
that  must  be  done,"  cried  Burgsdorf,  laughing.  "  iVlack!  up 
to  this  time  we  have  had  no  soldiers,  for  the  couple  of  wretched 
fellows  in  each  of  the  forts  and  the  Elector's  bodyguard  could 
hardly  be  accounted  such,  and  made  but  a  poor  show." 

"  Upon  you,  gentlemen,  upon  you  it  will  henceforth  de- 
volve to  create  an  army,"  said  Schwarzenberg  solemnly.  "  Col- 
onel von  Kracht,  in  virtue  of  my  office  as  Stadtholder  in  the 
Mark,  I  this  day  pronounce  you  commandant  of  the  fortresses 
of  Berlin  and  Cologne;  with  the  same  fullness  of  power,  1  ap- 
point you.  Colonel  von  Eochow,  commandant  of  Spandow; 
and  lastly  you.  Colonel  von  Burgsdorf,  I  constitute  comman- 
dant of  the  Fortress  Kiistrin." 

"  I  should  have  been  better  pleased  if  you  had  made  me 
commandant  of  Berlin,"  growled  Conrad  von  Burgsdorf. 
"  They  lead  such  a  dull,  wearisome  life  at  Fortress  Kiistrin, 
and  I  wish  that  Kracht  and  I  could  change  places  with  one 
another.  He  knows  the  people  of  Kiistrin  well,  and  under- 
stands how  to  get  along  with  them,  for  the  late  commandant 
of  Kiistrin  was  his  father.  Let  us  exchange  with  one  another, 
von  Kracht — here  is  my  hand,  give  me  yours!  You  are  com- 
mandant of  Kiistrin  and  I  of  Berlin!  " 

"  Slowly,  colonel,"  replied  Baron  von  Kracht;  "  we  must 
yield  to  order  and  authority,  and  submit  ourselves  to  what- 
ever the  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark  has  found  good  to  arrange 
for  us." 


SOLDIERS  AND  DIPLOMATISTS.  47 

"Well  said,  Sir  Commandant  of  Berlin!  "  cried  Schwarz- 
enberg.  "  I  was  silent,  because  I  wished  to  hear  your  an- 
swer. It  follows,  therefore,  Colonel  von  Burgsdorf,  that  you 
go  as  commandant  to  Fortress  Kiistrin." 

"  I  know  very  well  that  you  send  me  away  to  remove  me 
as  far  as  possible  from  your  residence  Berlin,"  growled  Burgs- 
dorf. "  You  can  not  bear  to  see  that  the  Elector  is  attached 
to  me,  and  calls  me  his  friend.  You  can  not  bear  that  another 
should  execute  and  perform  what  you  yourself  can  not  exe- 
cute and  perform.  I  saw  plainly  yesterday  the  look  of  hatred 
and  ill  will  which  you  darted  at  me,  across  the  Elector's  table, 
while  the  great  drinking  match  that  I  had  proposed  was 
going  on.  It  was  right  plain  to  be  seen  how  much  vexed  you 
were,  that  there  was  anything  in  which  Conrad  von  Burgs- 
dorf could  excel  the  wise,  the  learned,  and  the  most  worship- 
ful Count  Adam  von  Schwarzenberg." 

"Well!  you  really  suppose  that  I  could  be  envious  and 
jealous?"  cried  the  count,  laughing.  "No,  most  worthy 
colonel,  with  my  whole  heart  I  yield  you  the  palm  for  being 
the  first  and  most  rapid  drinker  at  the  electoral  court,  and 
for  emptying  a  quart  cup  of  wine  at  one  draught." 

"  And  it  is  no  trifling  art,  you  must  know.  Sir  Count," 
said  Burgsdorf,  with  an  important  air.  "  Think  not  that  it 
is  a  mere  pleasure — no,  it  is  a  task  too,  and  at  times  a  diffi- 
cult one." 

"  We  did  not  observe  it  as  such  yesterday.  Colonel  von 
Burgsdorf,"  retorted  the  count.  "  You  proved  yourself  yes- 
terday a  truly  intrepid  hero  in  drinking  at  the  electoral  table. 
For  it  is  in  fact  an  heroic  deed  to  quaff  eighteen  quarts  of 
wine  in  one  hour,  as  you  did  yesterday." 

"  Well,"  said  Burgsdorf,  flattered,  "  we  had  a  drinking- 
match,  and  the  Elector  liad  ofTored  a  fine  prize  to  the  best 
drinker.  I  had  long  desired  to  obtain  possession  of  the  pretty 
and  flourishing  little  village  Danzien,  and,  behold!  this  was 
the  very  prize  the  Elector  had  offered;  so  I  was  obliged  to 
do  what  I  could,  and  have  to  thank  God  that  I  came  ofl'  victor, 
I  drank  all  the  other  gentlemen  under  the  table,  and  was  alone 
left  standing,  with  my  eighteen  quarts  of  wine  aboard."  * 
*  King,  Description  of  Berlin,  part  1,  p.  237. 


4:8  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

"  Now,"  said  the  Stadtholder,  smiling,  "  I  think  you 
did  not  leave  me  under  the  table,  for  I  kept  erect  in  spite 
of  you,  Colonel  Burgsdorf.  I  hope  also  to  keep  my  posi- 
tion yet  longer,  and  never  to  be  thrust  under  the  table  by 
you." 

He  looked  full  in  the  colonel's  bloated  and  wine-flushed 
face  with  a  cold,  proud  glance,  and  smiled  when  he  saw  how 
Burgsdorf's  brow  darkened  and  his  eyes  flashed  with  fierce 
hatred. 

"  You  will  remain  standing.  Sir  Stadtholder,  so  long  as 
God  and  the  Elector  please,"  said  Burgsdorf  slowly,  "  Many 
an  one  falls,  and  under  the  table,  too,  although  he  may  not 
be  drunk  with  wine,  but  with  pride  and  ambition,  avarice  and 
rapacity." 

"  Enough,  Burgsdorf,  enough,"  replied  the  count  haught- 
ily. "  I  did  not  summon  you  here  to  hold  with  you  a  con- 
troversy about  words,  for  well  do  I  know  that  you  are  as 
mighty  in  words  as  in  drinking.  I  have  had  you  summoned 
that  you  might  receive  your  orders,  and  do  and  perform 
whatever  the  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark  commands  and  enjoins 
upon  you,  in  the  names  of  the  Emperor's  Majesty  and  his 
Electoral  Grace.  General  von  Klitzing,  I  have  nominated 
you  commander  in  chief  of  all  the  fortifications,  as  you.  Colo- 
nels von  Kracht,  von  Eochow,  and  von  Burgsdorf,  comman- 
dants of  Berlin,  Spandow,  and  Kiistrin.  You  may  perceive  from 
this  that  a  new  era  has  dawned,  and  that  we  have  great  things 
to  expect  from  the  future.  Gentlemen,  the  time  for  waiting 
and  delay  is  past.  The  Elector  has  concluded  a  treaty  with 
the  Emperor,  by  which  the  Emperor  declares  that  the  duke- 
dom of  Pomerania  is  the  natural  heritage  of  the  Elector  of 
Brandenburg,  and  invests  him  with  it.  It  is  true  that  at  pres- 
ent the  Swedes  occupy  Pomerania,  and  will  not  evacuate. 
But  to  that  very  end  we  must  labor,  to  force  the  presumptuous 
Swedes  to  do  this;  and  thereto  the  Elector  has  pledged  him- 
self to  raise  an  army  of  five-and-twenty  thousand  men.  To 
superintend  these  levies  is  the  affair  of  the  colonels  and  staff 
officers,  therefore  also  your  affair." 

"  The  only  question  is,  where  is  the  money  to  come  from 
to  effect  such  levies,"  said  General  Klitzing. 


SOLDIERS  AND  DIPLOMATISTS.  49 

"  Yes,  that  is  the  question,"  exclaimed  the  three  colonels 
impatiently. 

"  And  the  answer  runs:  The  Emperor's  Majesty  has  as- 
signed money  for  that  purpose.  The  Emperor's  Majesty  has 
granted  the  Elector  a  release  from  the  payment  of  two  hun- 
dred Eoman-months  which  the  Elector  owed  him,  and  with 
these  two  hundred  Eoman-months,  which  amount  to  three 
hundred  and  sixty-five  thousand  florins,  troops  are  to  be  levied. 
But  besides  this,  the  Emperor  expressly  adds  sixty  thousand 
dollars,  to  be  employed  in  enlisting  soldiers;  and  the  money 
will  be  paid  out  to  those  leaders  and  colonels  who  have  re- 
cruited such  and  such  a  number  of  soldiers.  For  each  soldier 
they  get  eight  rixdollars." 

"I  shall  recruit  I  "  shouted  Burgsdorf.  "I  shall  go  as 
commandant  to  Kustrin,  and  enlist  a  regiment  besides!  " 

"  It  is  a  matter  of  course  that  we  all  recruit,"  said  General 
von  Klitzing,  "  for  such  is  the  command  and  desire  of  the 
Elector,  and  him  as  our  commander  in  chief  we  are  bound  to 
obey." 

"By  no  means,  general!  "  cried  the  count  hastily.  "Your 
commander  in  chief  is  the  Emperor  of  Germany.  The  soldiers 
whom  you  shall  enlist  will  of  course  be  subject  to  the  com- 
mand of  the  Elector,  but  they  must  take  an  oath  of  allegiance 
to  the  Emperor  and  the  empire,  which  runs  thus,  that  they 
will  be  obedient  to  the  Emperor,  and  in  his  stead  to  the  Elec- 
tor of  Brandenburg,  in  order  that  the  dukedom  of  Pomerania 
be  recovered  to  the  Elector,  its  natural  sovereign.*  Accord- 
ing to  the  compact  between  the  Emperor  and  the  Elector,  the 
official  oath  of  military  governors  must  also  conform  to  this 
formula,  and  the  commandants  of  fortresses  be  taken  into  the 
service  of  the  Emperor  and  the  empire.  First  and  foremost 
is  the  obedience  and  fealty  they  owe  to  the  Emperor." 

"  I  do  not  understand  that;  it  does  not  penetrate  through 
my  thick  skull!  "  cried  Burgsdorf  impatiently.  "  How  will 
it  be  if  the  Emperor's  commands  go  counter  to  those  of  the 
Elector?  If  the  Emperor  orders  us  to  do  this,  and  the  Elector 
that?'' 

"  That  will  never  happen,"  replied  the  count  gravely. 
*  Droysen,  History  of  Prussian  Politics,  part  3,  p.  172. 


50  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

"  The  Elector  is  much  too  loyal  and  faithful  a  vassal  of  the 
Emperor  not  to  coincide  always  with  the  latter^s  gracious  pur- 
poses and  desires.  I  have  now  told  you  all  that  it  is  needful 
for  you  to  know,  have  given  you  your  commissions  and  an- 
nounced your  several  ranks,  and  it  only  remains  to  administer 
to  you  the  prescribed  oath.  In  view  of  my  absolute  power 
as  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark,  and  as  head  of  the  electoral  coun- 
cil of  war,  I  will  now  receive  your  oath  of  fidelity  to  the  Em- 
peror and  the  Elector,  and  you  must  engage  and  swear  to 
fulfill  constantly  and  faithfully  your  duties  to  Emperor,  em- 
pire, and  Elector." 

And  just  as  the  count  dictated,  without  delay  or  contra- 
diction, the  four  lords  repeated  the  formula  of  the  oath,  and 
swore  obedience,  good  faith,  and  service,  first  to  the  Emperor 
and  the  empire,  and  then  to  the  Elector  of  Brandenburg. 
Thereupon  the  count  dismissed  them,  exhorting  them  to  re- 
pair instantly  to  their  fortresses,  and  there  to  begin  enlist- 
ing soldiers  for  the  army  of  the  Elector. 

The  count's  countenance  cleared  up  and  assumed  a  tri- 
umphant expression  when  the  four  officers  had  left  his  cabi- 
net, and  he  was  now  once  more  alone. 

"  I  shall  now  be  rid  of  that  quarrelsome  and  dangerous 
man,  Burgsdorf,"  he  said  complacently,  as  he  sank  appar- 
ently exhausted  into  an  easy  chair.  "  I  have  rendered  him 
harmless  and  shoved  him  aside  without  his  being  really  con- 
scious of  it.  He  does  not  suspect  that  we  advanced  and  pro- 
moted the  others  only  to  remove  him,  Burgsdorf,  to  a  dis- 
tance, without  exciting  remark  or  scandal,  and  in  order  to 
be  freed  from  his  scurrilous  tongue  and  insolent  presence. 
I  am  truly  glad  and  content  that  we  have  succeeded  in  this, 
and  at  the  same  time  have  taken  these  unreflecting  and  short- 
sighted gentlemen  into  service  and  allegiance  to  the  Emperor 
and  the  empire."  With  a  hurried  "  Who  is  there?  "  the  count 
interrupted  himself,  starting  from  his  seat.  "  Who  dares  to 
enter  here  unannounced?  " 

"  I  dare,"  said  an  earnest  voice,  and  a  tall,  slender  gentle- 
man, wholly  enveloped  in  a  heavy  traveling  coat,  his  head  cov- 
ered with  a  great  fur  cap,  strode  through  the  apartment  to- 
ward the  count. 


SOLDIERS  AND  DIPLOMATISTS.  51 

"  Count  Lesle,  lord  high  chamberlain  to  the  Emperor! " 
exclaimed  the  Stadtholder  in  surprise.  "  Is  it  you?  Are  you 
direct  from  Regensburg?  " 

"  Yes,  Count  Schwarzenberg,  I  have  come  here  direct 
from  Regensburg,  to  depart  again  without  delay.  My  travel- 
ing carriage  stands  without  before  your  door,  and  I  shall 
presently  enter  it,  and  journey  hence  again.  You  will  on  that 
account  excuse  my  want  of  ceremony,  but  as  the  Emperor 
Ferdinand  permits  me  to  enter  his  apartments  at  any  time,  I 
thought  that  the  Stadtholder  of  the  Mark  would  not  be  less 
affable.  Moreover,  I  could  not  send  in  my  name,  for  no  one 
besides  yourself  is  to  know  of  my  being  here,  and  I  wish  to 
travel  incognito.  Will  you,  then,  pardon  me,  Count  Schwarz- 
enberg, and  am  I  excused?  " 

"  I  am  the  one  to  sue  for  forgiveness,  on  account  of  my 
impatience,  and  I  do  so  most  cordially.  And  now  I  entreat  you, 
count,  first  of  all,  make  yourself  comfortable.  Permit  me 
to  assist  you  in  lapng  aside  your  cumbrous  traveling  habit, 
and  accept  some  ease  and  refreshment." 

With  officious  zeal  he  busied  himself  in  aiding  his  visitor 
to  emerge  from  his  wrappings,  and  soon  Count  Lesle  stood 
before  the  Stadtholder  of  the  Mark  in  the  beautiful,  unique 
Spanish  garb,  such  as  was  worn  at  the  imperial  court. 

"  How  glorious  you  look  in  those  magnificent  velvet 
robes!  "  cried  Count  Scliwarzenberg,  with  a  sigh,  "  and  how 
much  your  Spanish  costume  makes  me  long  for  the  sumptuous 
life  of  the  imperial  court!  Ah!  my  dear  count,  here  among 
us  you  find  hardly  a  trace  of  this  costly,  splendid  living,  and  an 
imperial  valet  or  house  servant  has  more  pleasure  and  enjoy- 
ment than  an  Electoral  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark." 

"  Yet  it  is  a  fine  and  sonorous  title,"  said  Count  Lesle, 
smiling,  while  he  stretched  himself  out  comfortably  in  the 
great  armchair  which  Count  Schwarzenberg  had  rolled  for- 
ward for  him,  "  and  it  is  also  a  great  and  influential  office. 
The  Emperor's  ]\Iajesty  knows  very  well  what  a  mighty  and 
potent  man  the  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark  is,  and  that  Count 
Schwarzenberg  is  really  Elector  of  Brandenburg." 

"  His  Imperial  Majesty  knows,  too,  that  I  have  never  yet 
ceased  to  be  the  faithful  and  devoted  servant  of  the  Emperor," 


52  THE  HEIR  TO  THE   THRONE. 

cried  Schwarzenberg,  at  the  same  time  drawing  a  simple  chair 
to  the  side  of  the  count's  fauteuil,  and  seating  himself  upon 
it.  "  His  Imperial  Majesty  knows,  I  hope,  that  first  and  above 
all  other  things  I  place  my  duty  to  the  Emperor,  and  that 
I  have  no  higher  aim  than  to  subserve  the  interests  of  his 
Imperial  Majesty." 

"  Yes,  the  Emperor,  our  most  gracious  Sovereign,  knows 
that,"  said  Count  Lesle  feelingly.  "  He  does  not  for  a  moment 
doubt  the  fidelity  and  attachment  of  the  Stadtholder  in  the 
Mark,  who  has  always  been  mindful  that  the  Elector  is  only 
the  Emperor's  vassal,  and  the  Emperor  the  real  lord  of  the 
whole  German  Empire." 

"  And  to  maintain  this  relation  intact,  yes,  that  is  what 
I  have  made  the  greatest  task  of  my  life,"  cried  Schwarzen- 
berg, with  animation.  "  It  is  a  task,  in  truth,  not  easy  to  be 
accomplished,  for  the  Emperor's  supreme  Government  has 
many  enemies  here  at  the  electoral  court,  and  very  many 
there  are  here  who  maintain  that  Brandenburg  should  free 
herself  entirely  from  imperial  vassalage,  and  that  the  Elector 
should  be  sole  lord  within  his  own  domains.  But  now,  dear- 
est lord  high  chamberlain  and  count,  tell  me  wherefore  you 
have  come  here  so  unexpectedly,  and  what  news  do  you  bring 
from  Eegensburg?  " 

"  Very  serious  and  very  subtile  news  I  bring  with  me, 
count,"  replied  Count  Lesle,  "  and  of  such  a  tender,  delicate 
nature  that  we  could  not  willingly  entrust  it  to  paper,  even 
in  cipher,  but  could  only  transmit  it  from  my  lips  to  your  ear, 
and  thence  to  the  loeked-up  recesses  of  your  breast.  There- 
fore I  have  come  to  you,  and  need  hardly  say  that  not  a  breath 
of  our  conversation  is  to  escape,  and  that  nobody  must  know 
of  my  having  been  here.  The  question  is  about  the  Electoral 
Prince  of  Brandenburg — that  young  man  who  has  already 
tarried  more  than  three  years  in  the  Netherlands,  and  is  im- 
bibing there  the  hated  poison  of  insubordination  and  passion 
for  freedom.  It  is  high  time  that  the  Electoral  Prince  were 
recalled." 

"Recalled!"  cried  Count  Schwarzenberg,  starting  up 
amazed.  "  But,  Count  Lesle,  you  do  not  know  the  Electoral 
Prince.     You  do  not  know  the  danger  that  would  accrue 


SOLDIERS  AND   DIPLOMATISTS.  53 

now  if  this  restless,  ambitious,  and  fiery  young  man  were  to 
return  home.  My  enemies  and  the  secret  opponents  of  the 
Emperor  here  desire  nothing  more  ardently  than  just  this 
very  thing,  and  the  Eochows  and  Schbnungs  and  all  the  re- 
formers have  already  brought  matters  to  such  a  pass  that  the 
Elector  himself  presses  most  urgently  for  his  son's  return 
home,  and  has  even  peremptorily  required  it  of  him.  It  is  a 
plot  of  all  the  Swedish  wellwishers,  all  the  anti-imperialists 
of  this  court,  believe  me.  They  wish  to  place  the  Electoral 
Prince  at  their  head,  and  hope  by  this  means  to  bring  it  about 
that  the  weak  and  vacillating  Elector  shall  secede  from  the 
Emperor  and  ally  himself  with  the  Swedes.  They  teased  and 
goaded  the  Elector,  until  he  even  sent  his  Chamberlain  von 
Schlieben  to  The  Hague  in  order  to  fetch  the  Prince,  and  the 
latter  has  but  to-day  returned  from  his  vain  expedition." 

"From  his  vain  expedition,  do  you  say?  The  Electoral 
Prince  remains  at  The  Hague,  then,  despite  the  strict  com- 
mands, the  pressing  messages  of  his  father?  You  see  by  that 
what  fruit  his  stay  at  The  Hague  has  already  produced,  and 
that  the  poison  which  he  has  imbibed  there  is  even  now  at 
work.  The  Electoral  Prince  seems  to  be  thoughtful  and  studi- 
ous. And  so  much  the  more  dangerous  is  it  to  leave  him  any 
longer  at  The  Hague,  where  all  are  ill  disposed  toward  the 
Spaniards,  where  is  to  be  found  the  real  hearthstone  of  the 
great  European  opposition  to  the  house  of  Hapsburg,  where 
the  Prince  of  Orange  is  his  instructor  in  the  art  of  war,  and 
can  educate  him  to  be  a  skillful  and  dangerous  warrior  and 
an  enemy  of  the  Emperor." 

"  All  that  is  very  true!  "  said  Schwarzenberg  gloomily. 
"But  for  all  that  he  is  less  to  be  dreaded  there  than  here, 
where  he  would  cross  all  our  plans  and  bring  to  nothing  all 
our  schemes.  The  Electoral  Prince  is  a  dangerous  opponent, 
believe  me.  There  is  something  bewitching  in  his  character, 
and  he  would  be  in  a  position  either  to  carry  the  Elector  along 
with  him  in  his  career  or  to  induce  George  William  to  follow 
his  father's  example,  and  resign  the  government  in  favor  of 
his  son,  the  Electoral  Prince  Frederick  William.  And  do  you 
know,  Count  Lesle,  what  would  be  the  first  act  of  Frederick 
William's  reign?    To  depose  me,  to  take  all  power  out  of' my 


54  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

hands,  and  to  institute  a  new  course  of  policy  for  the  house 
of  Brandenburg! " 

"  Only  get  him  here  first,  count,  and  then  it  is  your  affair 
to  guard  against  this  extreme.  Take  example  from  what  hap- 
pened on  one  occasion  in  Spain,  where  also  rioters  and  inno- 
vators thronged  around  the  heir  to  the  throne,  by  his  abet- 
tance  to  overturn  existing  institutions  and  hurl  the  King 
from  his  throne.  My  God!  You  know  the  story  of  King 
Philip  and  his  son  Carlos.  Hardly  fifty  years  have  elapsed 
since  then.  Profit  by  this  example,  and  learn  from  this  story 
that  if  the  son  is  dangerous,  you  have  only  to  render  him  sus- 
pected by  his  father,  and  he  becomes  innocuous.  If  the  son 
is  the  enemy  of  his  father,  then  the  father  must  also  be  made 
the  enemy  of  his  son,  that  in  this  way  an  equilibrium  be  pre- 
served. You  are  much  too  great  a  statesman  and  too  acute  a 
diplomatist  not  to  know  how  to  act  in  this  matter.  But  the 
urgency  of  the  case  is  pressing.  You  must  have  him  under 
your  own  eyes,  under  your  own  guardianship." 

"  It  is  true,"  said  Schwarzenberg  thoughtfully,  "  he  im- 
bibes deadly  poison  there,  and  is  quite  too  enthusiastic  in  his 
admiration  of  the  Protestant  leader,  the  Prince  of  Orange. 
His  letters  to  his  parents  overflow  with  enthusiasm  for  the 
Orange  general,  whom  he  calls  his  master  and  teacher  in  the 
art  of  war,  and  lavishes  upon  him  extravagant  praise." 

"  And  they  are  giving  themselves  trouble  enough  to  link 
the  young  Prince  yet  more  closely  to  the  house  of  Orange, 
and  the  enemies  of  Spain  and  Plapsburg,"  said  Count  Lesle 
emphatically.  "  The  Emperor  has  obtained  exact  accounts 
as  to  the  practices  going  on  at  The  Hague,  whereby  the  Elec- 
toral Prince  may  be  brought  into  the  land  of  Cleves  and  united 
by  marriage  with  the  Palatinate  house,  whereby  he  may  be 
brought  equally  under  the  influence  of  the  sovereign  States 
and  the  Prince  of  Orange,  and  estranged  from  the  Holy 
Roman  Empire.* 

"  He  is  to  marry  a  princess  of  the  Palatinate!  "  exclaimed 
the  Stadtholder.  "  Ah!  now  I  understand  why  the  Electress, 
despite  her  tender  love  for  her  only  son,  constantly  endeavors 

*  Count  Lesle's  own  words.     Vide  von  Orlich,  History  of  Prussia, 
part  1,  p.  40. 


SOLDIERS  AND   DIPLOMATISTS.  55 

to  keep  liim  away,  and  to  prolong  his  stay  at  The  Hague.  I 
always  thought  until  now  that  it  was  on  my  account.  I 
thought  that  the  Electress  believed  me  to  have  e\-il  and  malign 
intentions  with  regard  to  the  Electoral  Prince,  and  for  that 
reason  alone  was  opposed  to  her  son's  return.  But  now  I  see 
into  it;  she  is  for  this  Palatinate  marriage,  she  wishes  by 
that  means  to  bind  her  son  more  closely  to  her  own  house 
and  its  interests,  to  alienate  liim  further  from  the  Emperor 
and  the  Holy  Eoman  Empire.  It  is  the  daughter  of  the  ban- 
ished Bohemian  King,  the  Princess  Ludovicka  Holland! ne, 
who  is  to  be  the  tie  to  unite  him  to  Orange  and  the  Palatinate. 
All  this  becomes  suddenly  clear  to  me,  and  I  can  not  imagine 
how  I  could  have  been  so  blind  and  so  innocent  as  not  to  have 
divined  and  penetrated  into  this  earlier.  The  Electoral 
Prince  does,  indeed,  in  each  of  his  letters  make  mention  of 
the  little  household  over  which  the  banished  Bohemian  Queen, 
the  Electress  of  the  Palatinate,  presides  at  Doornward,  not  far 
from  The  Hague." 

"  She  has  now  removed  her  residence  farther,  to  The  Hague 
itself,"  said  Count  Lesle  dryly;  "  without  doubt,  because  win- 
ter approaches,  and  it  w^ill  be  more  comfortable  for  the  Elec- 
toral Prince  not  to  find  it  necessary  to  travel  that  long  way  to 
Doornward  to  see  his  dearly  beloved  one.  She  must  be  quite 
a  pretty  girl,  the  Princess  Ludovicka  HoUandine,  and,  more- 
over, of  very  tender  complexion,  and  not  at  all  disposed  to 
play  the  prude  with  the  young,  handsome  Electoral  Prince, 
who  seems  particularly  to  please  her." 

"  And  the  Electress  is  particularly  partial  to  her  sister- 
in-law,  the  Electress  of  the  Palatinate,"  said  Schwarzenberg 
thoughtfully.  "  Tears  always  come  into  her  eyes  whenever 
she  speaks  of  her,  and  calls  to  mind  her  brother's  unhappy 
fate.*    It  would,  indeed,  be  for  the  advantage  of  her  house 

*  The  Elector  Frederick  V  of  the  Palatinate,  brother  to  the  Electress 
of  Rrandenbiir?,  was  (after  the  Archduke  Maximilian  had  been  declared 
to  have  forfeited  the  Bohemian  throne)  elected  by  the  Bohemians  to  be 
their  King.  lie  accepted  the  nomination,  but  a  few  days  after  his  coro- 
nation was  defeated  in  the  battle  of  the  White  Mountain  in  Austria 
(1620);  wandered  about  homeless  for  a  lonpf  time,  and  difd  in  1632  in 
Mainz.    Ilis  wife  was  a  dauo^hter  of  the  King  of  England,  and  his  mother 


66  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

if  the  daughter  of  her  banished  brother  should  again  exalt 
the  honor  of  her  family,  and  find  in  Brandenburg  amends 
for  the  lost  Palatinate.  For  when  women  take  it  into  their 
heads  to  meddle  with  politics,  then  are  their  hearts  always 
interested;  and  even  in  politics,  match  making  is  their  espe- 
cial delight.  Yes,  yes,  Count  Lesle,  I  see  into  it  now;  you 
are  right.  The  Electoral  Prince  is  to  wed  the  Palatinate 
Princess,  and  the  Electress  favors  this  match." 

"  But  the  Emperor  would  be  displeased  at  it  in  the  high- 
est degree,"  cried  Count  Lesle.  "  It  is  therefore  impossible 
that  this  alliance  take  place.  You  must  do  everything  to 
prevent  the  Elector  from  granting  his  consent,  and  however 
many  are  for  it,  and  blow  upon  one  horn,  yet  the  Elector 
must  strike  no  note  in  harmony  with  this  Palatinate  mar- 
riage." * 

"  No,  the  Elector  will  not  and  shall  not,"  replied  the  count 

decidedly.    "  It  is  for  me  to  prevent  him,  and You  are 

indeed  right.  There  is  nothing  left  to  be  done  but  to  summon 
the  Electoral  Prince  from  The  Hague." 

"  It  would  be  pleasant  to  the  Emperor  if  the  Electoral 
Prince  came  to  his  court,"  remarked  Count  Lesle;  "  it  would 
be  a  token  of  confidence,  and  make  an  impression  throughout 
the  Holy  Eoman  Empire  upon  friend  and  foe." 

"  Alas!  the  most  important  requisite  of  all  is  wanting — 
we  want  money,"  sighed  Count  Schwarzenberg,  shrugging 
his  shoulders. 

"  Well,  that  shall  furnish  no  ground  for  objection,  Sir 
Stadtholder.  The  Emperor  commissioned  me  expressly  to  an- 
nounce to  you  that  his  Imperial  Majesty  would  gladly  hold 
himself  ready  to  furnish  some  assistance,  yes,  if  needful,  all 
the  money  required  for  the  expenses  of  this  journey.'f  And 
the  Emperor  would  not  be  niggardly  with  his  supplies  of 
money  for  traveling,  but  give  such  sums  that  the  Electoral 
Prince  need  not  come  merely  to  his  Majesty  at  Vienna,  but 

a  Princess  of  Orange,  wherefore  his  wife  and  children  found  a  refuge  and 
protection  at  The  Hague. 

*  Count  Lesle's  own  words.  Vide  Droysen,  History  of  Prussian  Poli- 
tics, vol.  iii,  p.  173. 

f  Historical.     Vide  von  Orlich,  part  1,  p.  42. 


SOLDIERS  AND   DIPLOMATISTS.  57 

also  make  a  little  excursion  to  Innspriiek.  For  at  Innspriick 
the  Archduke  Leopold  now  holds  his  coiirt,  and  the  Electoral 
Prince  could  not  fail  to  enjoy  himself  there,  for  the  court  at 
Innspriick  is  brilliantly  gay,  and  the  archduke's  youthful 
daughter,  Clara  Isabella,  is  peculiarly  fond  of  pleasure,  and 
is  a  beautiful  and  attractive  young  lady." 

With  a  sudden  movement  of  the  head  Count  Schwarzen- 
berg  turned  toward  Lesle.  "  You  do  not  mean  it  ?  "  he  asked 
hesitatingly. 

Count  Lesle  nodded.  '"  It  is  much  to  be  desired,"  he  said, 
smiling. 

"But  I  fear  it  is  impossible!"  cried  Schwarzenberg. 
"  Every  one  here  will  be  opposed  to  it;  no  one  in  favor  of  it. 
It  is  simply  not  to  be  thought  of,  and  impossible  that  the 
Electoral  Prince  should  marry  a  Catholic." 

"  It  only  seems  probable,  and  to  effect  it,  it  is  only  neces- 
sary to  go  to  work  in  the  right  way,"  said  Count  Lesle  quietly. 
"  You  see  by  yourself  how  the  inconceivable  can  still  be- 
come matter  of  reality.  Would  it  not  have  been  supposed  im- 
possible that  at  this  court,  where  there  are  none  but  heretics, 
where  Eeformers  and  Lutherans  contend  for  precedence,  that 
a  Catholic  and  an  imperialist  could  have  become  prime  min- 
ister and  confidential  adviser  to  the  Elector?  And  yet  so  it 
is,  and  for  twenty  years  past  the  Catholic  Count  Schwarzen- 
berg has  been  the  favorite  and  I  may  say  the  controller  of 
the  Elector  of  Brandenburg.  And  why  should  not  the  Catho- 
lic minister  and  Stadtholder  be  able  to  negotiate  a  Catholic 
alliance?  You  underrate  your  power,  count,  and  are  by  far 
too  modest." 

"  Say  rather  I  know  the  ground  on  which  I  tread.  Count 
Lesle.  Believe  me,  it  is  slippery  and  marshy  soil,  and  a  single 
incautious  step  may  cause  me  to  sink." 

"  Then  guard  against  an  incautious  step,  but  advance 
boldly  forward  in  the  interests  of  his  Imperial  Majesty,  and 
be  assured  that  Ferdinand  will  prove  himself  to  be  a  grateful 
and  a  gracious  lord.  And  now,  count,  you  know  all  that  I 
came  to  communicate  to  you,  and  it  is  time  for  me  to  set  out 
again." 

"  Will  you  set  forth  again  so  soon.  Count  Lesle,  before  you 


58  THE   HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

have  done  me  the  honor  of  taking  a  little  breakfast  and  drink- 
ing a  glass  of  wine  with  me  ?  " 

"  Thank  j^ou,  count,  thank  you  most  cordially.  You  know 
well,  however,  that  the  master's  business  is  before  all  things 
else.  My  imperial  master  awaits  me  at  Kegensburg,  and  I  shall 
then  have  the  honor  of  being  permitted  to  accompany  him 
to  Vienna.  His  Imperial  Majesty  is  a  strict  and  punctilious 
lord,  and  has  calculated  to  the  very  day  and  hour  when  I  may 
again  reach  the  imperial  palace.  For  our  interview  here  he 
allowed  me  one  hour;  and,  lo!  the  cock  of  your  great  wall 
clock  had  just  stepped  out  and  crowed  eleven  as  I  entered 
your  room,  and  is  already  here,  crowing  twelve  as  loud  as 
he  can.  It  is  therefore  time  for  me  to  depart.  I  have  briefly 
made  you  acquainted  with  the  Emperor's  intentions  and  de- 
sires, and  your  wise  and  fertile  brain  will  know  how  to  enlarge 
and  construe.  Farewell,  Sir  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark,  fare- 
well, and  may  every  blessing  attend  you!  " 

Count  Lesle  had  risen  and  drawn  his  fur  cap  once  more 
far  over  his  brow.  Schwarzenberg  assisted  him  to  don  his 
ample  and  heavy  wrappings,  and  then  escorted  him  to  the 
door. 

"  Permit  me  at  least  to  conduct  you  to  your  carriage,  Count 
Lesle,"  he  said. 

"Impossible,  count;  that  would  excite  remark  among 
your  people,  and  give  rise  to  conjectures  on  all  sides.  I  gave 
myself  out  on  entering  as  one  of  your  officials  from  Sonnen- 
burg,  and  your  dignity  does  not  suffer  you  to  act  toward  your 
officials  as  toward  an  equal.    Farewell,  then!  " 

Count  Lesle  stepped  out  briskly,  and  hurriedly  closed 
the  palace  door.  Schwarzenberg  stood  listening  to  the 
retreating  footsteps  of  the  imperial  legate  until  they  died 
away  in  the  long  corridor.  Then  he  slowly  turned  away  and 
sank  with  a  sigh  into  the  armchair  which  Count  Lesle  had 
recently  occupied. 

"  Strange  tidings  those,"  he  muttered  to  himself.  "  I  must 
now  then  adopt  a  wholly  different  line  of  action — must  de- 
range and  newly  model  all  my  plans.  What  I  would  alto- 
gether avoid  I  must  now  do — must  recall  the  Electoral  Prince; 
must  yield  to  him  the  precedence  at  court,  both  in  rank  and 


SOLDIERS  AND  DIPLOMATISTS.  59 

position;  must "    All  at  onee  he  started  up  and  shrank, 

as  if  a  sudden  flash  of  lightning  had  interrupted  his  train  of 
thought.  "  If  it  must  be,"  he  said  quite  softly  to  himself, 
•"  if  nothing  else  is  left  for  me,  and  I  see  myself  in  danger, 
then  I  will  do  it.     I  shall  resort  to  this  last  expedient." 

But  even  while  he  pronounced  the  words  he  grew  pale 
and  cast  around  liim  a  timid,  anxious  glance,  as  if  he  dreaded 
being  overheard  by  some  traitorous  ear.  Then  he  leaned  his 
head  upon  the  back  of  the  armchair,  and  sat,  long,  silent,  and 
motionless,  wholly  absorbed  in  deep  and  earnest  thought. 

"  Yes,  it  shall  be  so,"  he  said  at  last.  "  He  must  leave  The 
Hague;  but  it  does  not  signify  necessarily  that  he  will  arrive 
liere  so  soon.  The  way  is  long,  the  roads  are  unsafe,  and  he 
must  travel  cautiously  and  circumspect!}^,  for  many  cutthroats 
wander  about,  and  who  knows  whether  the  Swedes  may  not 
make  the  attempt  to  capture  and  carry  off  the  young  Prince, 
or  murder  him,  that  he  may  not  some  day  contest  with  them 
the  possession  of  Pomerania.    All  tliis  must,  indeed,  be  risked; 

then Master  Gabriel  Nietzel  must  nevertheless  still  go 

to  The  Hague;  only  I  shall  give  him  other  instructions,  and 
he  ^all  have  a  wholly  different  errand  to  fulfill.  Yes,  yes, 
it  shall  be  so;  I  shall  have  him  summoned  directly." 

He  had  already  stretched  out  his  hand  for  the  whistle, 
when  the  outer  door  opened,  and  the  valet  entered. 

"  Pardon,  your  excellency.  A  lackey  has  just  come  from 
the  palace.  The  Elector  begs  and  entreats  of  your  grace  that 
you  will  have  the  kindness  to  repair  forthwith  to  the  Elector's 
residence." 

"  Present  my  respects  to  the  Elector,  and  say  that  I  shall 
do  myself  the  honor  of  waiting  upon  him.  Go,  tell  the  lackey 
that,  and  have  my  carriage  of  state  ordered  out  forthwith." 

"  Most  gracious  sir,  I  beg  your  pardon,  but  your  excellency 
can  not  possibly  go  in  the  great  carriage  of  state." 

"Well,  and  why  not?" 

"  Your  excellency  knows  that  it  has  been  raining  four 
days  without  intermission,  and  the  ground  is  so  soaked  through 
that  a  man  can  not  cross  the  streets  or  square  without  sinking 
up  to  his  knees,  how  much  less  then  a  heavy  vehicle.  The 
carriage  of  the  strange  gentleman  who  has  Just  been  with  your 


60  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

excellency  remained  stuck  fast  a  few  steps  from  here,  and  the 
coachman  and  footman,  witli  a  couple  of  our  stableboys,  are 
still  busied  in  trying  to  pull  it  out  of  the  mud." 

"  Heaven  defend  us! "  cried  the  count,  traversing  the 
apartment  with  rapid  strides;  "  then  I  must  go  myself  di- 
rectly and  help  the  gentleman " 

But  he  suddenly  bethought  himself,  and  slowly  stepped 
back  from  the  door.  "  With  the  help  of  my  stableboys,  he 
must  already  be  again  on  the  road — my  official  from  Sonnen- 
burg,"  he  said.  "  You  think,  then,  that  I  can  not  take  the 
great  coach  of  state  ?  " 

"  Not  possibly,  gracious  sir.  It  is  a  morass,  such  as  has 
not  been  for  ages,  and  the  townspeople  have  already  brought 
out  their  mud  carriages  again." 

"  What  is  that?    What  are  mud  carriages?  " 

"  Your  excellency,  I  mean  the  stilts  on  which  they  parade 
around  when  the  mud  is  very  bad." 

The  count  laughed.  "  The  end  of  it  is  that  nothing  is 
left  for  me  to  do  but  to  betake  myself  to  stilts  likewise  in 
order  to  reach  the  electoral  palace." 

"  It  would  be  the  easiest  way,  indeed,"  replied  the  lackey; 
"  only  it  is  not  quite  consistent  with  respect.  But  the  great 
coach  can  not  go." 

"  Then  let  them  take  my  light  hunting  chaise,  and  attach 
four  of  my  best  coursers.  In  ten  minutes  I  must  be  in  the 
carriage." 


V. — The  Elector  and  his  Favorite. 

In  exactly  ten  minutes  the  hunting  chaise  stood  in  the 
inner  court  of  the  count's  palace,  and,  as  this  was  paved  with 
huge  granite  flagstones,  the  count  succeeded  in  reaching  his 
carriage  without  spattering  his  white  silk  stockings,  extend- 
ing as  far  as  the  knee,  or  soiling  his  delicate  velvet  slippers, 
with  their  brilliant  buckles  and  high  red  heels.  Then  the 
lackeys  opened  the  great  trellised  gate  of  gilded  iron,  and  with 
loud  thundering  the  carriage  rolled  from  the  court  out  into 


THE   ELECTOR  AND  HIS  FAVORITE.  61 

the  street.  The  coachmuu  lashed  the  air  with  his  whip,  and 
the  four  coursers  flew,  hardly  touching  the  ground  with  their 
pretty  feet.  The  mud,  to  be  true,  splashed  in  mighty  waves 
from  the  wheels  and  hoofs,  giving  the  benefit  of  its  floods  to 
many  an  honest  burger's  wife  who  could  not  on  her  stilts  im- 
mediately escape;  often,  indeed,  was  heard  the  anguished 
squeak  or  piteous  howl  of  some  sucking  pig  or  dog  over  which 
the  hunting  equipage  had  rolled;  but  it  paused  not  for  these, 
and  in  a  few  moments  halted  in  safety  before  the  mean  little 
portal  of  that  small,  dark  mansion,  honored  with  the  title 
of  the  Elector's  residential  palace,  which  was  situated  on  the 
other  side  of  the  cathedral  square,  near  the  Spree  and  the 
pleasure  garden. 

Before  the  portal  stood  a  wretched  carriage,  covered  with 
mud  and  drawn  by  four  raw-boned  horses,  wliose  trappings 
and  harness  were  wholly  wanting  in  polish  and  neatness. 

"  The  Elector  means  to  ride  out,  it  seems,"  said  the  count 
to  himself,  with  a  contemptuous  glance  at  the  poor  electoral 
equipage. 

"Drive  a  little  aside!  "  screamed  the  count's  well-dressed 
coachman  from  his  box.  "  Let  his  excellency  the  Stadtholder 
drive  up  to  the  door,  for  it  is  Just  impossible  for  the  count  to 
alight  here  in  this  mud." 

But  the  coachman  only  shook  his  head  proudly,  in  token 
of  refusal,  and  darted  a  look  full  of  inexpressible  contempt 
upon  the  Stadtholder's  presumptuous  driver. 

"  Drive  out  of  the  way!  "  shouted  the  count's  coachman. 

"  Here  I  stand,  and  here  I  mean  to  stay  until  the  Elector 
comes! " 

"  Let  him  remain,  William,  and  speak  not  another  word," 
commanded  Count  Schwarzenberg.  "  Drive  my  carriage  up 
80  close  to  the  electoral  carriage  that  I  can  conveniently  step 
in." 

The  coachman  obeyed,  and  the  electoral  charioteer,  who 
had  begun  the  contention  with  the  supercilious  driver  of  the 
Stadtholder  with  inward  satisfaction,  and  hoped  for  a  long 
protraction  of  the  same,  now  felt  himself  foiled,  and  saw  with 
inexpressible  astonishment  the  coachman  turn  around,  with 
rapid  sweep  make  the  circuit  of  the  square,  and  draw  up  close 


62  THE   HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

beside  the  electoral  equipage.  Before  lie  yet  comprehended 
the  object  of  this  manoeuvre^  the  count  had  stretched  forth 
his  arm,  opened  with  his  own  hand  the  door  of  the  electoral 
coach,  stepped  into  it,  opened  the  door  on  the  other  side,  and 
stepped  out  on  the  broad  leather-covered  plank  which  ex- 
tended like  a  sort  of  drawbridge  from  the  threshold  of  the 
palace  garden  to  the  electoral  carriage. 

"Bravo,  Schwarzenberg,  bravo!"  called  out  a  laughing 
voice,  and  as  the  count,  standing  midwa^^  on  the  plank,  looked 
up,  he  saw  the  Elector  above  at  the  open  window,  nodding 
to  him  with  friendly  gesture,  and  greeting  him  with  a  cheer- 
ful smile. 

"  That  was  good  for  the  brazen  scoundrel,  Fritz  Long," 
called  down  the  Elector;  "  how  could  the  rascal  dare  not  to 
move  out  of  the  way  for  the  Stadtholder?  " 

"  He  did  right,  your  Electoral  Grace!  "  called  up  Schwarz- 
enberg, as  he  hastily  doffed  his  gold-edged  hat  with  its  waving 
plumes,  and  bowed  so  low  that  the  tips  of  the  white  feathers 
surmounting  the  black  ones  touched  the  damp  ground. 

"  Put  on  your  hat,  and  come  up,"  said  the  Elector.  "  It 
is  cold  down  there." 

"  Only  permit  me  first,  most  gracious  sir,  to  do  a  little  act 
of  justice,"  cried  Schwarzenberg,  turning  with  a  pleasant 
smile  to  the  electoral  coachman,  who  stared  at  him  with  sullen 
mien. 

"  Fritz  Long,"  he  said,  with  amiable  condescension — 
"  Fritz  Long,  you  have  acted  as  became  a  brave  and  trusty 
electoral  coachman.  You  are  perfectly  right;  you  must  never 
drive  out  of  the  way,  even  should  the  Emperor  of  the  Holy 
Roman  Empire  himself  come  to  visit  the  Elector.  In  recogni- 
tion of  your  honesty  and  truth,  accept  this  present  from  me." 

And  the  count  drew  from  the  side  pocket  of  his  richly 
embroidered  vest  two  gold  pieces,  and  laid  them  in  the  im- 
mense hand,  gloved  in  a  dirty,  yellow  gauntlet,  which  the  Elec- 
tor's joyfully  surprised  state  coachman  reached  out  to  him. 
The  count  again  nodded  affably  to  him,  and  passed  through 
the  palace  portal.  "  I  hope,"  he  said  to  himself,  while  he 
slowly  ascended  the  broad  wooden  stairs — "  I  hope  that  in 
the  next  riot  my  fellows  will  properly  punish  the  shameless 


THE  ELECTOR  AND   HIS  FAVORITE.  63 

rascal,  and  take  out  the  two  gold  coins  I  have  given  him  in 
little  pieces  on  his  broad  back." 

The  Elector  advanced  as  far  as  the  antechamber  to  meet 
his  beloved  minister,  and  opened  the  door  himself. 

"  Listen,  Schwarzenberg,"  he  said,  with  a  smile;  "  you  are 
such  a  capital  man.  You  know  how  to  help  in  all  emergen- 
cies, and  even  when  they  drive  you  into  the  deepest  mud  you 
know  how  to  come  forth  dry-shod  and  clean." 

"  Well,  I  may  indeed  have  learned  something  of  diplomacy 
and  strategy  at  the  electoral  court,"  answered  the  minister, 
at  the  same  time  offering  the  support  of  his  shoulder  to  assist 
the  Elector  in  returning  to  his  cabinet.  "  Your  grace  has 
summoned  me,  and  I  feared  lest  intelligence  of  a  disquieting 
nature  had  reached  your  highness,  the — — " 

"  Very  disquieting  intelligence,  indeed,"  sighed  the  Elec- 
tor, as  he  sank  down  groaning  into  his  leather  armchair. 
"  But  I  suppose  you  know  it  already.  Schlieben  is  back,  and 
our  son  comes  not  with  him;  he  only  whites  us  a  lamentable 
letter,  in  which  he  explains  that  he  can  not  come  home  at 
this  season  of  the  year,  and  in  the  present  conjunction  of  the 
times." 

"  But  that  is  rebellion!  "  exclaimed  Schwarzenberg  warm- 
ly; "  that  is  putting  himself  in  downright  opposition  to  his 
Sovereign  and  his  father!  " 

"  You  look  upon  it  in  that  light  too,  then,  Schw^arzen- 
berg?  "  asked  George  William.  "  You  agree  with  me  that  the 
Electoral  Prince  has  acted  like  a  disobedient  son  and  disre- 
spectful subject?" 

"  Oh,  my  God!  "  sighed  Schwarzenberg;  "  would  that  I 
could  not  agree  with  your  highness!  Would  that  an  excuse 
might  be  found  for  this  conduct  of  the  Electoral  Prince!  It 
is  painful  to  see  how  boldly  the  young  gentleman  dares  to 
resist  the  supremacy  of  his  father." 

"  It  is  rebellion,  is  it  not?  "  asked  George,  his  excitement 
waxing  continually.  "  We  send  our  own  Chamberlain  Schlie- 
ben to  The  Hague;  we  write  our  son  a  letter  with  our  own 
hand,  enjoining  him  to  return  home;  we,  moreover,  inform 
him  verbally  through  Schlieben  of  the  urgent  necessity  of  his 
return,  and  still  our  son  insists  that  he  will  remain  at  The 


64  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

Hague,  and  has  the  spirit  to  send  Schlieben  home  without 
accompanying  him." 

"  That  is  indeed  to  put  himself  in  open  opposition  and 
rebellion  against  his  most  gracious  lord  and  father.  And  now 
your  Electoral  Highness  must  persist  in  requiring  the  Elec- 
toi-al  Prince  to  set  out  and  come  back." 

"  He  must  and  shall  come  back,  must  he  not?  The  Elec- 
tress,  indeed,  intercedes  for  him,  and  would  gladly  persuade 
us  that  we  should  grant  our  son  one  year's  longer  sojourn  at 
The  Hague,  to  perfect  himself  in  all  sorts  of  knowledge." 

"  Your  highness,"  said  Schwarzenberg  softly,  edging  him- 
self closer  to  the  Elector's  ear — "  your  highness,  the  Electress 
knows  very  well  that  the  Electoral  Prince  has  something  in 
view  at  The  Hague  totally  different  from  the  acquisition  of 
knowledge." 

"  Well,  and  what  may  that  be?  " 

"  A  marriage,  your  highness.  A  marriage  with  the  daugh- 
ter of  the  widowed  Electress  of  the  Palatinate — with  the  fair 
Ludovicka  Hollandine." 

"  That  would  indeed  be  a  fine,  plausible  marriage!  "  cried 
the  Elector,  starting  up.  "  A  Princess  of  nothing,  the  daugh- 
ter of  an  outlawed  Prince,  put  under  the  ban  by  the  Em- 
peror! " 

"  But  this  Prince  was  the  Electress's  brother.  It  would 
be  very  pleasant  to  her  grace's  tender  heart  to  exalt  her  pros- 
trate house  once  more  and  bring  it  into  consideration  again, 
and  she  would  therefore  gladly  see  her  brother's  daughter 
some  day  a  reigning  Princess.  Besides,  the  future  Electress 
would  then  owe  her  mother-in-law  a  lifelong  debt  of  grati- 
tude, and  the  Dowager  Electress  might  exert  great  influence 
and  share  in  the  government  of  her  son." 

"  Yes,  indeed,  they  all  count  upon  my  death,"  groaned 
the  Elector;  "  they  all  long  for  the  time  when  I  shall  be  gath- 
ered to  my  fathers.  They  grudge  me  life,  although,  forsooth, 
it  is  no  light,  enjoyable  thing  to  me,  but  has  brought  me 
trouble,  deprivation,  and  want  enough.  But  still,  they  grudge 
it  to  me,  and  if  they  could  shorten  it,  would  all  do  so." 

"  But  I,  my  beloved  master  and  Elector — I  stand  by  you. 
I  have  placed  it  before  myself  as  my  sacred  aim  in  life  to 


THE  ELECTOR  AND   HIS  FAVORITE.  65 

guard  you  as  a  faithful  dog  guards  liis  master,  and  to  turn 
aside  from  you  all  that  threatens  you  with  danger  and  vex- 
ation. The  Emperoi',  too,  as  your  supreme  protector,  keeps 
his  benignant  eye  fixed  upon  you,  his  much-loved  vassal,  and 
his  wrath  would  crush  all  that  should  endeavor  to  injure  you. 
There  are,  indeed,  many  here  who  think  that  the  Elector  of 
Brandenburg  ought  to  make  himself  free  and  independent 
of  that  very  Emperor,  beneficent  though  he  be,  and,  because 
your  highness  stands  in  their  way,  they  attach  themselves  to 
the  son,  and,  placing  lum  at  their  head,  wish  to  constitute  him 
an  opponent  of  the  Emperor  and  empire.  The  Electress  has 
probably  not  yet  forgiven  and  forgotten  that  the  Emperor 
put  her  brother  under  the  ban  of  the  empire,  and  banished 
him  from  country  and  friends.  And  the  Prince  of  Orange, 
and  the  Sovereign  States,  the  Swedes  and  all  the  enemies  of 
his  Imperial  Highness  and  your  Electoral  Grace,  would  all 
unite  their  efforts  to  render  the  Electoral  Prince  a  pliant  tool 
in  their  hands.  Therefore  they  wish  to  detain  him  yet  longer 
at  The  Hague,  and  so  to  bind  him  there  that  he  shall  be 
wholly  theirs,  linked  by  an  indissoluble  chain.  On  that  ac- 
count they  wish  to  bring  about  this  marriage  with  the  Princess 
Ludovicka  Hollandine.  I  must  confide  to  your  highness  the 
information  that  report  has  already  bruited  it  abroad,  and 
that  it  is  spoken  of  at  the  imperial  court.  I  have  to-day  re- 
ceived dispatches  from  Vienna  which  apprise  me  that  the 
Emperor  is  very  much  opposed  to  this  matrimonial  project, 
and  will  never  give  his  consent  to  it." 

"  And  I,  too,  shall  never  give  my  consent!  "  screamed  the 
Elector.  "  I  will  not  again  be  brought  to  feud  and  strife  with 
Emperor  and  empire.  I  will  not  range  myself  on  the  side 
of  the  Emperor's  foes,  and  neither  shall  my  son.  I  have  always 
said  that  the  Electoral  Prince  was  staying  far  too  long  in 
foreign  parts,  and  that  he  would  return  an  alien.  But  you 
would  never  agree  to  it,  Adam  Schwarzenberg;  you  always 
thought  that  the  Electoral  Prince  was  much  better  off  in  his 
place  than  here,  where  the  malcontents  and  disturbers  of  the 
[teaco  would  throng  about  him,  and  that  he  could  only  learn 
what  was  good  and  profitable  there,  while  here  he  would  learn 
much  that  was  evil.    And  7iow  it  proves  that  the  air  there  is 


66  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THilONE. 

much  worse  for  him  still,  and  that  the  tempters  have  more 
power  over  him  there  than  here." 

"  I  was  blind  and  short-sighted  when  I  fancied  myself 
wise,"  replied  Schwarzenherg,  in  a  tone  of  contrition;  "  I  was 
presumptuous  enough  to  suppose  I  knew  better  than  my  Elec- 
tor and  lord,  and  now  acknowledge  in  deep  abasement  how 
very  wrong  I  was,  and  how  far  superior  to  myself  my  noble 
and  beloved  Electoral  Lord  is  in  penetration  and  foresight. 
I  crave  your  pardon,  most  gracious  sir,  crave  it  in  penitence 
and  humiliation." 

The  proud  Count  von  Schwarzenherg  bowed  his  knee  be- 
fore the  Elector,  and  with  a  glance  of  earnest  entreaty  pressed 
his  lips  to  his  Sovereign's  hand.  George  William,  flattered 
and  enraptured  by  this  humility  on  the  part  of  his  almighty 
favorite,  bent  forward  and  imprinted  a  kiss  upon  his  lofty 
forehead. 

"  Eise,  my  Adam,  rise,"  he  said  tenderly.  "  It  does  not 
become  the  grand  master  of  the  German  orders,  the  rich  and 
distinguished  count  of  the  empire,  to  kneel  before  the  little 
Elector,  who  is  not  master  of  an  army,  but  so  poor  that  he 
knows  not  how  he  shall  live  and  pay  his  servants;  who  has 
nothing  of  his  possessions  but  the  name,  and  nothing  of  his 
position  but  the  burden!  Stand  up,  Adam  Schwarzenherg, 
for  I  love  to  see  you  erect  and  stately  at  my  side,  and  to  be 
able  to  look  up  to  you  as  to  a  staff  on  which  I  may  lean,  and 
which  is  strong  enough  to  bear  me." 

Count  Schwarzenherg  arose  from  his  knees,  and,  resting 
his  elbows  upon  the  high  back  of  the  armchair,  inclined  his 
head  toward  the  Elector,  who  looked  up  at  him  with  glances 
of  fond  affection. 

"My  lord's  coffers,  then,  are  actually  empty?"  he  asked. 

"  So  empty,  Adam  Schwarzenherg,  that  my  servants  can 
not  obtain  their  wages,  and  if  a  beggar  were  to  accost  me  on 
my  way  to  church,  I  could  give  him  nothing,  because  not  a 
florin  is  to  be  found  in  my  own  purse — so  empty,  that  our 
whole  project  of  the  Electoral  Prince's  return  threatens  to 
be  wrecked  thereby,  for  our  son  has  incurred  debts  which 
we  are  not  able  to  liquidate.  Schlieben  informs  us  that  the 
debts  of  the  Electoral  Prince  amount  probably  to  seven  thou- 


THE  ELECTOR  AND   HIS  FAVORITE.  67 

sand  dollars,  and,  besides  that,  he  needs  at  least  two  thousand 
dollars  more  to  defray  the  expenses  of  his  journey  home,  to- 
gether with  his  retinue,  his  carriage,  and  his  horses." 

"  That  is  indeed  a  bad  business,"  said  the  count  thought- 
fully, "for  it  is  almost  impossible  to  raise  money  in  these 
hard  times.  Nevertheless  a  remedy  shall  and  must  be  found, 
provided  that  my  most  gracious  Sovereign  will  condescend 
to  accept  aid  from  his  most  humble  servant  and  retainer." 

"  What  say  you,  Adam?  You  will  help  me  again?  "  asked 
the  Elector.  "  Twice  you  have  rescued  me  already  from  want, 
and  supported  my  poverty  with  your  wealth.  I  am  your 
debtor,  your  insolvent  debtor,  who  pays  no  interest,  to  say 
nothing  of  the  capital." 

"But  like  a  magnanimous,  high-spirited  gentleman,  al- 
ways give  the  greater  for  the  less,"  cried  Schwarzenberg, 
smiling.  "  It  is  true  I  had  the  good  fortune  to  be  able  to 
lend  your  highness  a  hundred  thousand  dollars  on  two  occa- 
sions, but  your  highness  gave  me  in  pledge  two  fair  domains 
in  Cleves,  which  surely  would  be  worth  more  than  the  sum 
lent  if  they  should  be  sold." 

"  But  nobody  would  buy  them  now  because  war  and  pesti- 
lence rage  there,  and  no  one  knows  who  is  master  there.  I 
give  them  to  you,  however,  these  domains  of  Huissen  and 
Neustadt:  from  this  very  hour  they  are  yours,  and  I  shall 
forthwith  make  out  for  you  a  deed  of  donation." 

"  Oh,  my  most  revered  sir,  how  kind  and  generous  you 
are!"  said  Schwarzenberg,  "and  how  you  shame  me  with 
your  magnanimity  and  goodness!  With  grateful  and  sub- 
missive heart  I  accept  your  gift,  and  shall  this  very  day  tear 
to  pieces  both  the  bonds,  and  lay  them  at  your  Electoral 
Highness's  feet." 

"By  no  means,  Adam,"  said  the  Elector,  almost  indig- 
nantly, "  for  then  I  should  not  have  presented  you  witli  Huis- 
sen and  Neustadt,  but  you  would  have  paid  for  them!  " 

"  Then,  at  least,  let  me  add  now  another  sum,  most  hon- 
ored sir,  and  condescend  to  accept  from  me  fifty  thousand 
dollars  without  writing  an  acknowledgement  of  debt." 

"Will  you  lend  me  fifty  thousand  dollars?"  asked  the 
Elector,  joyfully  surprised. 


68  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

"  I  received  important  remittances  of  money  from  my 
mastership  Sonnenburg,  and  have  also  saved  something  from 
my  estates,"  said  the  count.  "  It  is  true  for  the  time  being 
I  have  nothing  left  for  myself,  but  it  is  better  that  the  servant 
should  suffer  privation  than  his  lord.  I  shall  have  the  honor 
of  transmitting  to  your  highness  this  very  day  the  fifty  thou- 
sand dollars  in  specie  and  reliable  bills  of  exchange." 

"  And  I  shall  immediately  write  you  a  receipt  for  them 
with  my  own  hand,"  cried  the  Elector,  hastening  with  youth- 
ful speed  to  his  writing  table,  and  grasping  paper  and  pen. 
With  alacrity  he  dashed  off  a  few  words  on  the  paper,  moist- 
ened a  great  wafer,  laid  paper  over  it,  and,  pasting  it  beneath 
the  writing,  pressed  his  great  signet  upon  it. 

"  There  is  the  deed,"  he  said;  "  take  it,  Schwarzenberg, 
and  send  me  the  money." 

But  the  count  refused  the  proffered  paper,  smilingly  wav- 
ing it  off  with  his  hand,  while  reverentially  taking  one  step 
backward. 

"  First  the  money  and  then  the  deed,"  he  said;  "  all  must 
be  in  order,  gracious  sir,  and  you  shall  not  acknowledge  your- 
self a  debtor  ere  you  have  received  your  money." 

"  Oh!  how  well  I  feel  all  at  once!  "  cried  the  Elector, 
"  and  what  a  free,  glad  consciousness  I  have  again  in  no  longer 
feeling  myself  a  poor  debtor,  but  once  more  knowing  that  I 
have  money  in  my  pockets.  Now  we  will  give  orders  for  our 
servants  to  be  paid  off;  then  we  will  pay  the  Electoral  Prince's 
debts,  and  send  him  money  for  his  traveling  expenses,  that  he 
may  come  home  and  have  no  pretext  for  refusal  and  delay." 

"  Your  highness  ought  to  send  another  chamberlain  to 
persuade  the  Electoral  Prince  in  a  friendly  manner  to  re- 
turn," said  the  count.  "  There  is,  for  example,  Herr  von 
Marwitz,  a  peculiarly  polished  and  clever  gentleman,  and  in 
good  standing  with  the  Electress  and  all  favorers  of  the  Swedes, 
but  withal  a  faithful  servant  of  his  honored  lord." 

"  Yes,  Marwitz  shall  set  off  for  The  Hague,  and  to-day, 
too,"  replied  the  Elector,  with  animation.  "  IMarwitz  shall 
bring  back  my  son  to  me,  and  I  shall  exhort  and  command 
him  under  penalty  of  my  wrath  to  take  no  excuses  whatever, 
and  to  enter  into  no  further  explanations.    He  shall  pay  his 


THE  ELECTOR  AND  HIS  FAVORITE.  69 

debts,  take  my  son  money  for  his  journey,  and  say  to  the  Elec- 
toral Prince  that  my  accumulated  wrath  as  father  and  Elector 
^ill  fall  upon  and  crush  him  if  he  does  not  now  obey  me. 
I  will  have  an  obedient  and  submissive  son,  with  whom  my 
will  is  law,  else  it  were  better  that  I  had  no  son!  This  very 
day  Marwitz  shall  set  out." 

''  I  beg  the  favor  of  your  Electoral  Highness  to  defer  the 
departure  of  the  Chamberlain  von  Marwitz  until  to-morrow," 
pleaded  the  count.  "  Your  grace  will  without  doubt  desire 
to  write  a  few  words  to  your  son;  the  Electress,  too,  will  doubt- 
less avail  herself  of  the  opportunity  to  communicate  with 
her  son  and  dear  relatives;  and  I  also  have  a  few  dispatches 
to  prepare  for  our  envoys  there.  Most  humbly,  therefore,  I 
beseech  you  that  Marwitz  may  not  commence  his  journey  to 
The  Hague  until  to-morrow  or  the  day  after." 

"'  To-morrow  then  be  it,  Adam,  to-morrow  he  must 
start." 

"  Then  your  highness  and  the  Electress  must  prepare 
your  letters  to-day,  and — candidly  speaking,  I  had  a  great 
request  to  make  of  your  Electoral  Grace.  I  have  arranged  a 
little  hunting  party  for  to-day,  and  would  esteem  it  an  espe- 
cial favor  if  your  highness  would  do  me  the  honor  to  take 
part  in  it." 

"  I  shall  do  so  gladly,  most  gladly!  "  cried  George  William, 
delighted.  "  I  could  desire  no  more  pleasant  diversion  for 
the  present  day  than  a  little  hunting  party,  and  you  know 
that  well,  Adam,  and  understand  splendidly  how  to  guess  at 
my  wishes.  Yes,  we  shall  hunt — but  I  have  no  dogs.  Mine 
were  all  left  behind  in  Prussian,  and  the  head  huntsman  in- 
forms me  that  the  pack  of  dogs  in  this  place  is  in  very  bad 
condition.  I  want  a  hunter  and  a  strong  fellow,  such  a 
capital  boarhound  as  I  have  long  wished  for  but  have  never 
been  able  to  find." 

"  I  hope  that  I  have  found  such  an  one  for  your  high- 
ness," said  the  count,  smiling.  "  I  have  had  inquiries  insti- 
tuted everywhere,  and  learned  that  there  was  a  capital  ani- 
mal at  Stargard,  in  Pomerania.  I  immediately  dispatched  a 
special  messenger  to  Hcrr  von  Schwiebus,  to  whom  the  ani- 
mal belongs,  and  in  your  highness's  name  asked  the  purchase 


70  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

price  of  the  boarhound,  and  requested  that  they  would  send 
the  creature  along  for  your  inspection." 

"And  he  is  here,  the  boarhound?"  asked  the  Elector, 
with  sparkling  eyes.  "  Adam,  you  do  indeed  understand  how 
to  rejoice  my  heart  and  guess  my  wishes.  Where  is  the  boar- 
hound?    Let  me  see  him." 

"  Most  gracious  sir,  Herr  von  Schwiebus  seems  perfectly 
wrapped  up  in  this  animal,  and  at  first  would  not  hear  at  all 
of  parting  with  him;  indeed,  he  was  quite  angry  with  Count 
Henkel  for  having  told  me  of  his  precious  possession.  Only 
when  he  heard  that  it  was  your  Electoral  Grace  who  wished 
to  make  the  purchase,  he  softened  down  a  little,  and  sent  a 
picture  which  he  has  had  taken  of  his  favorite,  in  order  that 
your  highness  might  form  an  idea  of  the  animal  and  decide 
whether  it  would  really  please  you." 

"  Have  you  the  picture  with  you,  Adam? "  asked  the 
Elector  eagerly. 

The  count  hurried  to  the  door  and  took  from  the  little 
table  standing  there  a  roll  of  paper,  which  he  had  laid  there 
on  his  entrance.  He  unfolded  it,  spread  it  out  on  a  table, 
and  on  each  corner  of  the  paper  placed  a  weight. 

"  I  entreat  your  highness  just  to  observe  the  portrait  of  the 
beautiful  animal,"  he  begged. 

The  Elector  hastily  approached,  and  an  expression  of  joy- 
ful surprise  escaped  from  his  lips  at  the  sight  of  this  picture, 
which,  executed  with  tolerable  artistic  skill  in  water  colors, 
represented  a  large  and  finely  shaped  hound,  with  massive 
head,  clipped  ears,  and  long  tail. 

"Adam,  that  is  a  wonderful  animal!  "  cried  the  Elector, 
after  a  pause  of  mute  rapture.  "  That  boarhound  I  must 
have,  let  it  cost  what  it  will.  Tell  me  the  price,  Adam,  the 
price  for  this  divine  creature." 

"  Most  gracious  Elector,  Herr  von  Schwiebus  seems  to  be  a 
queer  fellow.  He  said  the  dog  would  not  seem  dear  to  him  in 
exchange  for  all  the  money  in  the  world.  If,  however,  your  high- 
ness insisted  upon  buying  him,  he  would  give  him  up  on  condi- 
tion that  in  payment  for  the  dog  he  might  cut  down  in  the  elec- 
toral forests  three  thousand  trees  of  his  own  selection."  * 
*  Historical.     Vide  von  Orlich. 


EEVELATIONS.  •  71 

"  He  shall  have  his  price,  yes,  he  shall  have  it!  "  cried 
the  Elector,  his  eyes  fixed  immovahly  upon  the  portrait. 
^-  Send  forthwith  a  courier  from  me  to  Herr  von  Schwiebus, 
and  have  him  notified  that  I  buy  the  boarhound  for  three 
thousand  trees,  wliich  he  may  select  and  fell  from  my  Letz- 
ling  forest.  He  shall,  conformably  with  his  terms,  immedi- 
ately send  me  the  boarhound.  Make  haste,  Adam,  and  attend 
to  this  matter  for  me;  I  long  so  to  have  the  beautiful  creature 
here.  And  as  regards  the  Electoral  Prince,  we  will  put  off 
Marwitz's  departure  until  the  day  after  to-morrow,  for  we 
shall  not  have  time  for  letter  writing  to-day  on  account  of 
the  hunting  party,  and  that  will  occasion  the  delay  of  one 
more  day." 


VI. — Eevelations. 

"  Not  until  the  day  after  to-morrow  will  Marwitz  set  out 
on  his  journey,"  said  Count  Schwarzenberg  contentedly  to 
himself,  when  he  had  left  the  Elector,  and  was  once  more 
alone  in  his  own  cabinet.  "  Not  until  the  day  after  to-mor- 
row! So  Gabriel  Nietzel  will  have  three  days  the  start  of 
him,  and,  moreover,  he  can  travel  more  rapidly.  The  only 
thing  to  be  considered  now  is,  what  shall  be  the  nature  of  his 
errand  there?  We  shall  at  once  deliberate  as  to  what  will 
be  best!  " 

Long  did  he  pace  the  floor  of  his  cabinet  with  bowed  head 
and  arms  crossed  upon  his  chest;  then  all  of  a  sudden  he 
whistled  for  his  valet,  and  ordered  him  to  look  for  Master 
Gabriel  Nietzel,  and  to  bring  him  in  at  once. 

"  Your  grace,"  replied  the  valet,  "  Master  Nietzel  has  just 
come  into  the  antechamber,  and  requests  an  audience  of  you." 

"  Admit  him.  But  first  I  have  a  few  tasks  to  give  you. 
Listen! "  he  beckoned  the  valet  to  come  nearer,  and  softly 
and  hurriedly  communicated  his  instructions.  "  And  now," 
he  concluded,  "  now  let  the  master  enter,  and  then  make  haste 
to  do  what  I  have  told  you." 

"  Well,"  cried  the  count,  when  a  few  minutes  later  Gabriel 


72  THE   HEIR   TO   THE   THRONE. 

Nietzel  entered  the  cabinet — "  well,  now  tell  me,  master,  what 
brings  you  here  so  early.  My  appointment  with  you  was  not 
until  this  evening." 

"  Forgive  me,  your  excellency,  but  in  the  joy  of  my  heart 
I  thought  you  might  perhaps  bestow  a  moment  upon  me.  I 
only  wished  to  let  your  excellency  know  that  it  has  turned 
out  exactly  as  I  hoped.  I  communicated  to  the  Electress  my 
purpose  of  making  an  artist's  tour  into  Holland.  Her  high- 
ness seemed  highly  delighted  at  tlie  idea,  and  gave  me  an 
open  note  to  the  Electoral  Prince,  introducing  me  to  her  son 
as  a  skillful  portrait  painter." 

"  Just  show  me  this  note." 

The  painter  handed  him  a  small,  neatly  folded  paper, 
which  the  count  tore  open  and  perused  with  a  rapid  glance. 

"  Nothing  more,  in  fact,  than  a  very  warm  recommenda- 
tion," he  said.    "  And  this  is  all?  " 

"  No,  your  excellency,  the  best  part  is  yet  to  come.  The 
Electress  has  appointed  me  her  court  painter.  I  receive  the 
same  salary  as  the  recently  deceased  court  painter,  Mathias 
Ezizeken,  namely,  a  yearly  income  of  fifty  dollars,  board  and 
rent  free,  with  two  suits  of  new  clothes  annually."  * 

"  Now,  indeed,  you  may  well  be  content,"  laughed  the 
count;  "  that  is  truly  a  magnificent  appointment,  and  hence- 
forth you  become  a  prominent  man  at  court  here!  But  tell 
me,  master,  do  you  still  accept  in  addition  the  little  stipend 
I  have  allotted  you?  " 

"  Your  excellency,  I  esteem  myself  happy  indeed  that  your 
grace  has  granted  it  to  me." 

"  And  my  treasurer  has  paid  out  to  you  the  three  thou- 
sand ducats?  " 

"  Yes,  your  excellency,  he  has  paid  them  out  to  me,  and 
I  am  now  released  from  all  cares." 

"  You  have  only  one  care  left,  master,"  said  Count  Schwarz- 
enberg — "  this  one  care,  that  I  may  some  day  denounce  you 
as  a  shameful  deceiver,  who  has  sold  me  a  bad  copy  of  his 
own  manufacture  for  an  original,  and  be  assured  that  this 
deception  may  bring  you  to  the  gallows  at  any  time  if  I 
choose  it." 

*  Historical.     Vide  von  Orlich,  vol.  ii,  p.  456. 


REVELATIOJ^S.  73 

"  But,  most  gracious  sir,"  stammered  the  painter,  pale  as 
death,  "  I  thought  3'ou  had  forgiven  me,  and " 

"  Forgiven,  so  long  as  3^ou  are  a  faithful  and  obedient 
servant,"  replied  the  count,  in  a  severe  tone — "  forgiven,  so 
long  as  I  can  count  upon  your  submission;  but  forget,  that 
I  shall  never  do.  And  at  the  slightest  mistake,  the  least  re- 
sistance to  my  commands,  I  shall  remember  what  a  cheat 
and  good-for-nothing  you  are,  and  take  back  my  forgiveness. 
You  have  the  three  thousand  ducats,  but  you  have  not  yet 
given  a  receipt  for  them.  Sit  you  down  there  at  my  table 
and  write  the  receipt.     I  will  dictate  it  to  you  myself." 

Like  an  obedient  slave  Gabriel  Nietzel  slunk  to  the  table, 
sank  down  before  it,  took  the  pen  which  the  count  handed 
him,  and  placed  it  on  the  paper  put  before  him. 

"  Write,"  ordered  the  count,  and  with  loud  voice  he  dic- 
tated: "I,  Gabriel  Metzel,  painter  by  profession,  hereby  af- 
firm that  I  have  this  day  received  from  his  excellency  the 
Stadtholder  in  the  Mark,  Count  Schwarzenberg,  the  sum  of 
three  thousand  ducats  in  ready  money.  This  money  is  the 
price  paid  for  a  painting  by  Titiano  Vecellio,  representing 
the  goddess  of  beauty  with  a  Cupid,  who  presents  Yenus  her 
looking-glass.  I  bought  this  picture  at  Cremona  for  two  thou- 
sand ducats,  and  I  vow  and  swear  upon  my  conscience  and  by 
all  that  I  hold  sacred  that  this  painting,  which  I  have  sold 
to  the  count  for  an  original  painting,  is  actually  an  original 
painting  by  Titiano  Yecellio's  own  hand." 

"Now,  master,  why  do  you  hesitate?  Why  do  you  not 
write?" 

"  Oh,  sir,  have  some  pity  upon  me!  "  groaned  the  painter. 
"  I  can  not  write  that.  I  can  not  swear  that  it  is  an  original 
by  all  I  hold  sacred." 

"  Why,  what  does  it  signify?  "  laughed  the  count;  "  paper 
is  lenient.  The  advantage  to  me  is  only  that  I  can  by  means 
of  this  receipt  prove  to  connoisseurs  and  picture  lovers  that 
I  have  bought  an  original  painting  from  you.  For  the  rest, 
if  you  will  not  write,  why  then,  very  good.  I  shall  have  you 
aiTested  on  the  spot,  inform  the  Electress  of  what  a  deceiver 
you  are,  have  the  three  thousand  ducats  forthwith  taken  away 
again,  and  keep  you  in  prison  until  the  suit  is  made  out  against 


74  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

you;  then  you  shall  be  hung  conformably  with  law  and 
usage." 

"  Mercy,  your  excellency,  mercy!  "  gasped  Nietzel.  "  I 
am  writing  even  now!  " 

And  with  trembling  hands  he  completed  the  receipt,  and, 
on  the  count's  further  command,  subscribed  his  name. 

Schwarzenberg  read  it  over  attentively.  "  This  is  a  docu- 
ment, my  dear  painter,"  he  said,  smiling,  "  that  may  some  day 
bring  you  to  the  gallows,  for,  only  see,  I  have  other  confirma- 
tory evidence." 

From  a  casket  on  his  table  he  drew  forth  a  roll  of  parch- 
ment, to  which  were  attached  two  great  seals,  hanging  by 
silken  strings,  and  while  he  unrolled  it  he  beckoned  the  painter 
to  come  near.  "  See,"  he  said,  "  this  is  a  testimonial  which 
I  have  had  made  out  for  me  at  Venice  by  the  Duke  di  Gri- 
mani,  affirming  that  Titian's  Venus  is  his  property,  and  that 
you  spent  three  months  in  his  palace  painting  a  copy  of  the 
original.  You  see  well,  dear  court-painter  Nietzel,  that  you 
are  completely  in  my  handc,  and  that  I  can  have  you  strung 
up  at  any  time,  for  the  Stadtholder  makes  short  work  of  cheats 
and  perjurers,  and  sends  them  off  to  the  gallows,  where  they 
belong!  Now  say,  master,  will  you  to  the  gallows  or  will  you 
live  in  honor  and  joy  as  the  Electress's  court  painter  and  my 
secret  pensioner,  my  open  foe?  I  give  you  free  choice.  Make 
your  own  unbiased  decision." 

"  I  have  no  longer  any  choice,"  groaned  Gabriel  Nietzel. 
"  Your  excellency  well  knows  that  I  have  no  choice.  I  love 
life;  I  have  not  courage  to  die,  therefore  I  am  your  slave." 

"  Not  at  all;  you  are  court  painter  to  her  highness  the 
Electress,  and  shall  retain  your  office  if  you  behave  yourself 
wisely  and  discreetly.  This  very  day  you  set  out  on  yovir 
journey  to  Holland." 

A  flash  of  joy  gleamed  in  the  painter's  eyes,  and  his  brow 
cleared.    The  count  remarked  it  and  laughed  aloud. 

"  Oh,  my  dear!  I  guess  your  thoughts,"  he  cried.  "  You 
think  that  when  you  are  in  Holland  I  can  no  longer  reach 
you,  and  you  will  take  good  care  not  to  put  yourself  in  my 
power  again.  But  know  that  my  arm  is  far-reaching,  and  that 
I  have  spies  and  agents  everywhere,  who  are  very  devoted  to 


REVELATIONS.  75 

me  because  I  pay  them  well.  They  will  find  you  out  wherever 
you  are,  and  no  jurisdiction  would  refuse  delivering  up  to  me 
a  criminal  if  I  demanded  him.  But  besides  that.  Master  Ga- 
briel Nietzel,  I  hold  here  a  sure  pledge  for  your  valuable 
person." 

"  AMiat  sort  of  pledge  does  your  excellency  mean?"  in- 
quired Nietzel  anxiously. 

"  Why,  I  mean  the  fair  Eebecca,  whom  you  brought  with 
you  from  the  Ghetto  of  Venice,  and  whom  it  pleases  you  here 
to  give  out  to  be  your  wife,  married  at  Venice.  I  hope,  how- 
ever, that  you  have  not  committed  so  heinous  a  sin  as  to  take 
a  Jewess  to  wife,  for  then  you  should  not  escape  with  the 
gallows,  but  should  be  burned  at  the  stake  with  your  cursed 
Jewess,  your  bold  paramour." 

Master  iSTietzel  answered  not  a  word.  With  a  loud  groan 
he  sank  upon  a  chair,  and  covered  his  face  with  both  his  hands, 
weeping  aloud. 

"  Your  fair  Eebecca  stays  behind  here  with  your  boy," 
continued  Count  Schwarzenberg;  "  and  that  she  may  be  in 
perfect  safety  and  never  lack  for  my  protection,  I  shall  have 
her  brought  to  Spandow,  my  usual  place  of  residence.  There 
she  shall  live,  well  watched  and  cared  for,  and  there  remain 
until  your  return.  If,  however,  you  have  then  proved  your- 
self to  be  a  good  and  obedient  servant,  I  will  myself  restore 
to  you  your  Eebecca,  and  nobody  shall  dare  to  molest  you." 

"  Tell  me  what  I  have  to  do,  your  excellency,"  said  the 
painter,  with  cold,  desperate  decision.  "I  am  ready  and 
willing  for  everything,  for  I  love  my  Eebecca  and  my  son,  and 
I  will  deserve  them." 

"  And  it  will  not  be  made  hard  for  you,  master.  You  go, 
then,  to  Holland,  introduce  yourself  to  the  Electoral  Prince 
through  the  Electress's  letter  of  recommendation,  and  try  to 
make  yourself  as  agreeable  and  charming  to  him  as  possible. 
When  you  have  succeeded  in  that,  lament  to  him  that  life  in 
Holland  does  not  suit  you  at  all,  that  you  are  homesick,  and 
entreat  most  earnestly  that  the  Electoral  Prince  include  you 
in  his  traveling  suite.  This  he  will  naturally  do,  and  you  will 
accompany  him  on  his  journey  home.  Have  you  understood 
me,  and  paid  good  heed  to  all  my  Avords,  Master  Nietzel?  " 
G 


fjQ  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

"  Yes,  your  excellency,  I  have  noted  each  word." 

"  And  you  have  found  without  douht  that  it  is  by  no  means 
a  difficult  thing  that  I  require  of  you.  But  the  journey  back. 
Master  Nietzel,  the  journey  back  is  a  very  dangerous  and  bad 
affair.  You  know,  so  many  freebooters  rove  about  everywhere, 
and  Westphalia  especially  is  swarming  with  Swedes  and  Hes- 
sians. If  such  a  troop  of  soldiers  knew  beforehand  that  the 
Electoral  Prince  was  coming  that  way,  they  would  certainly 
lie  in  wait  for  him  and  fall  upon  him,  either  for  purposes 
of  plunder  or  in  order  to  carry  him  off  and  extort  a  high 
ransom  for  him.  The  Electoral  Prince  will  not  passively 
submit  to  capture,  but  will  resist;  a  battle  will  ensue,  and 
then  it  might  easily  happen  that  in  the  heat  of  conflict  a 
dagger  should  pierce  the  Prince  or  a  ball  go  through  liis  head. 
Those  Swedes  and  Hessians  are  wild,  fierce  soldiers,  and  the 
Prince  is  in  perpetual  danger,  especially  in  Westphalia.  You 
must  represent  this  to  the  Electoral  Prince,  and,  to  prove  to  him 
your  zeal  and  love,  you  will  entreat  permission  always  to  go  a 
few  hours  in  advance  of  him  to  make  sure  that  the  way  is  free 
and  the  Electoral  Prince  is  threatened  by  no  danger.  He  will 
therefore  each  morning  acquaint  you  with  the  course  of  his 
route,  and  where  to  arrange  night  quarters  for  him,  and  the 
point  where  you  shall  rejoin  him  again.  You  are  to  precede 
the  Electoral  Prince  as  courier,  and  if,  some  day,  he  should 
be  attacked  at  a  wild  spot  on  the  road  by  a  troop  of  Swedish 
or  Hessian  soldiery,  robbed,  taken  prisoner,  or  even  killed, 
that  is  no  fault  of  yours,  and  no  one  could  blame  you  on  that 
account,  for  you  have  proved  and  evidenced  your  zeal  in  the 
most  striking  manner.  You  have  comprehended  me.  Master 
Nietzel?    Have  you  paid  good  heed  to  my  words?  " 

"  Yes,  your  excellency,  I  have  paid  good  heed,  and  under- 
stood everything  well,"  returned  Master  Gabriel,  on  whose 
brow  the  sweat  stood  in  great  drops. 

"Well,  I  have  only  this  to  add:  Should  the  unfortunate 
accident  really  happen  that  the  Electoral  Prince  is  attacked 
by  robbers  and  killed  in  Westphalia  or  somewhere  else,  then 
look  to  it,  that  you  be  found  that  day  among  his  defenders, 
and  bear  off  as  token  some  wound  received — for  instance, 
a  sabre  thrust  on  the  right  arm.    With  this  true  sign  of  your 


REVELATIONS.  77 

valor  and  your  faithfulness  come  here  to  Berlin,  and  be  as- 
sured that  "no  one  shall  dare  to  suspect  you  when  he  witnesses 
your  grief  and  especially  your  sabre  thrust.  It  need  be  no 
deep  wound,  and  surely  the  fair  Eebecca  has  a  healing  balm 
which  she  can  apply  to  you.  Besides,  the  Electress  will  pro- 
tect you,  and  be  certain  that  I  will  stand  by  you  with  all  my 
might  and  influence.  And  now,  master,  we  have  concluded 
all  our  business,  and  you  will  set  out  in  an  hour.  I  permit 
you,  however,  first  to  take  leave  of  your  fair  Eebecca  and  the 
pretty  child.  Only,  you  must  not  be  alone  again  with  the 
beautiful  woman,  and  therefore  I  have  given  orders  that  your 
wife  and  son  be  brought  here.  You  will  be  pleased  to  stay  so 
long  at  my  chamberlain's  house;  luncheon  shall  be  served 
there  for  yourself  and  your  family,  and  you  can  take  it  in  the 
presence  of  my  chamberlain.  I  have  already  imparted  to  you 
the  needed  commands,  and  taken  care  to  have  your  wife  and 
child  fetched  directly  here.  A  vehicle  is  also  prepared,  ready 
to  convey  your  wife  to  Spandow;  I  have  a  good,  trustworthy 
housekeeper  in  my  house  there,  and  with  her  the  two  can 
dwell,  and  shall  want  for  nothing,  except  it  be  yourself." 

"  Most  gracious  sir,"  said  Gabriel  Nietzel,  with  an  expres- 
sion of  deep  anguish,  "  I  love  my  wife  and  child  above  every- 
thing, and  am  prepared  to  suffer  and  endure  everything  for 
them.  But  if  I  returned  home  and  found  my  wife  sick,  or 
dead,  or,  what  were  yet  worse,  found  her — - 

"  Well,  why  do  you  hesitate,  master?  Faithless,  found  her 
faithless,  would  you  say — well,  what  then?" 

"  Well,  then  hfe  would  have  no  value  at  all  to  me,"  said 
Gabriel  Nictzel  firmly  and  decidedly.  "  Then  would  it  be  quite 
indifferent  to  me  whether  I  were  hanged  or  burned;  then 
would  I  desire  nothing  but  to  die,  and — before  my  death  tc 
avenge  myself." 

"Ah!  I  understand  you  quite  well,  master,  and  know  you 
well.  You  please  me  uncommonly  with  your  energetic  de- 
fiance and  your  hidden  threat.  In  return  I,  too,  will  give  you 
an  open,  candid  answer.  Master  Gabriel  Nietzel,  I  am  no 
enamored  fool,  who  runs  after  every  apronstring,  or  gener- 
ally takes  any  special  pleasure  in  women.  I  have  neithor 
dme  nor  inclination  for  that,  and  leave  suoh  things  to  the 


78  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

young,  the  idle,  aud  men  who  have  no  ambition  and  no  head, 
but  only  a  heart.  I,  Master  Gabriel,  have  no  heart  at  all,  or 
at  least  none  now  any  longer,  and  I  herewith  give  you  my 
word  of  honor  as  a  nobleman  and  gentleman  that  your  lovely 
Rebecca  has  nothing  to  dread  from  me.  On  the  contrary,  I 
shall  have  her  watched  and  guarded,  as  if  she  were  a  ward 
intrusted  to  me,  for  whose  honor  I  held  myself  responsible." 

"  I  thank  your  excellency — I  thank  you  with  my  whole 
heart,"  said  Gabriel  Nietzel,  breathing  more  freely;  "  and 
now  you  shall  find  me  ready  and  willing  to  execute  your  com- 
mands faithfully  and  punctiliously." 

"  It  rejoices  me,  master,  it  rejoices  me  to  see  what  a  tender 
husband,  or  rather  lover,  you  are.  I  repeat  to  you,  you  need 
feel  no  anxiety  about  your  Rebecca.  She  will  find  herself 
quite  secure  in  my  society,  while  I  fear  that  the  Electoral 
Prince  will  have  but  little  safety  in  your  society,  but  be  very 
often  in  danger." 

"  I  fear  so,  too,  your  excellency,"  said  Gabriel  Nietzel,  with 
a  feeble  effort  to  smile. 

"  But  a  good  old  proverb  has  it,  '  All  they  that  take  the 
sword  shall  perish  by  the  sword,'  "  continued  the  count.  "  It 
is  not  your  fault,  master,  if  the  Electoral  Prince  does  not  know 
this  proverb.  Now  farewell,  master,  and  be  of  good  courage, 
for  another  good  proverb  says,  '  Fortune  smiles  on  the  brave.' 
Go  now,  master,  my  chamberlain  awaits  you  in  the  ante- 
chamber." 

"  I  am  going,  your  excellency,"  said  Gabriel  Nietzel  hum- 
bly. "  May  almighty  God  be  with  us  all,  and  guard  my  wife 
and  child! " 

He  bowed  low  and  reverentially,  then  strode  hastily  toward 
the  door. 

"  Gabriel  Nietzel,  one  w^ord  more!  "  called  out  the  count, 
as  the  painter  stood  with  his  hand  already  upon  the  door 
knob.  He  turned  and  slowly  came  back.  "  Master  Gabriel 
Nietzel,"  continued  the  count,  with  a  mocking  laugh,  "  be  so 
good  as  to  give  me  the  Electress's  letter." 

The  painter  drew  forth  his  leather  pocketbook,  took  out 
the  open  letter  of  recommendation,  and  handed  it  to  the 
count. 


REVELATIONS.  79 

But  the  latter  smilingly  rejected  it.  "  You  may  keep  that, 
master;  I  have  already  read  that.  The  other,  the  second  mis- 
sive from  the  Electress,  you  must  give  me." 

Gabriel  Metzel  shrank  back,  and  gazed  into  the  count's 
large,  glittering  eyes. 

"  The  other  writing,"  he  murmured,  "  the  second  writ- 
ing? " 

"  Why,  yes,  master,  that  secret  writing,  which  you  have 
naturally  promised  to  shield  with  the  last  drop  of  your  blood, 
and  to  hand  inviolate  into  the  hands  of  the  Electoral  Prince. 
My  God!  we  know  how  often  such  oaths  are  made,  and  that 
hardly  one  has  ever  been  kept.  You  have  not  been  made 
court  painter  for  nothing,  with  your  salary  of  fifty  dollars,  free 
rent,  and  two  suits  of  clothes.  You  must  give  something  in 
return.  Give  me  that  second  writing  of  the  Electress,  the 
one  which  you  have  sworn  to  hand  only  to  the  Electoral 
Prince;  or  rather,  no,  you  shall  not  forswear  yourself.  Just 
tell  me  where  you  have  stuck  it,  and  I  shall  take  it  for  my- 
self." 

"  Your  excellency,  it  sticks  in  my  left  breast  pocket,'* 
whispered  Gabriel  Nietzel.  The  count  laughed  aloud,  and  with 
one  movement  drew  forth  from  Master  Gabriel's  left  breast 
pocket  a  small  packet,  wound  round  with  silken  strings.  With 
cautious  hand,  extremely  solicitous  not  to  break  the  string, 
he  untied  it,  and  took  out  the  paper  found  beneath.  Within 
this,  indeed,  lay  a  small,  well-sealed  letter. 

" '  To  my  dear  son,  the  Electoral  Prince  Frederick  Wil- 
liam,' "  read  the  count,  with  loud  voice.  "  You  see,  I  was  not 
mistaken.  It  is  the  Electress's  handwriting,  and  it  is  directed 
to  the  Electoral  Prince." 

"  And  I  have  solemnly  sworn  to  give  it  into  no  other  hands 
than  his,"  murmured  the  painter. 

"  You  shall  keep  your  oath,  Master  Gabriel.  Now  go  into 
the  antechamber.  My  chamberlain  awaits  you  there,  and 
perhaps  your  fair  Eebecca  is  also  there  already!  " 

"  P>ut  my  letter,  your  excellency — shall  I  not  have  my 
letter  again  ?  " 

"  Certainly,  master,  you  shall  have  it  again.  In  a  half  hour 
I  shall  come  out  myself  and  give  it  to  you.    Oh,  fear  nothing. 


80  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

The  Prince  will  not  suspect  that  any  strange  hand  has  touched 
it.  Indeed,  it  concerns  me  very  nearly  that  the  Electoral 
Prince  should  put  confidence  in  you,  and  be  convinced  of 
your  honesty  and  good  faith.  Go  now,  master,  I  shall  bring 
the  secret  epistle  back  to  you  unscathed,  and  put  it  again  into 
your  left  breast  pocket." 

When  Master  Gabriel  Nietzel  had  crept  out  slowly  and 
sorrowfully,  the  count  hastened  to  his  writing  table,  took  up 
flint,  tinder,  and  steel,  and  made  the  sparks  fly  until  one  fired 
the  tinder  and  made  it  glow.  Now  he  held  a  splinter  of  wood 
to  the  glowing  tinder,  and  by  its  flame  lighted  the  wax  taper 
in  the  golden  candlestick.  Then  he  quickly  fetched,  from 
a  secret  drawer  of  his  writing  table,  a  small  knife  with  a  fine 
thin  blade,  heated  tliis  at  the  light,  and  carefully  and  adroitly 
slipped  it  under  the  great  electoral  seal,  which  he  carefully 
detached  from  the  letter.  He  laid  it  carefully  upon  a  small 
marble  sl/ib,  and  opened  the  letter.  It  was  a  very  long,  con- 
fidential communication  from  the  Eleetress  to  her  beloved 
son.  With  closest  attention  the  count  read  it  twice,  and  then 
with  great  pains  folded  it  up  again. 

"  It  is  just  as  I  thought,"  he  said  softly  to  himself:  "  the 
Eleetress  wishes  the  longer  absence  of  her  son.  She  intimates 
to  him  that  she  will  not  be  displeased  if  he  marries  there,  and 
even  promises  that  she  will  soften  his  father's  wrath.  She 
counsels  him  not  to  come  here,  and  warns  him  against  the 
evil  spirit  who  has  ensnared  his  father's  heart,  and  surely 
aims  at  the  life  of  her  dear  and  noble  son.  Well,  it  must  be 
confessed,  the  Eleetress  is  on  the  right  trail.  Her  mother's 
instinct  gives  her  insight  into  the  future,  and  makes  her  a 
prophetess.  I  know  it  very  well,  Eleetress;  we  two  have  never 
loved  one  another,  and  have  carried  on  a  bitter  warfare  against 
each  other  for  twenty  years,  in  which,  however,  God  be 
thanked,  Schwarzenberg  has  always  come  off  victorious.  I 
hope,  too,  it  will  continue  to  be  so,  and  this  letter  will  furnish 
me  with  a  good  weapon.  I  shall  take  a  copy  of  it.  Who  knows 
what  use  I  may  make  of  it  one  of  these  days,  and  out  of  this 
paper  fashion  a  dagger  which  may  turn  against  the  writer  and 
against  the  receiver,  if  it  reaches  tlie  hands  of  the  Electoral 
Prince.    Yes,  I  shall'  take  a  copy,  and  then  restore  the  original 


REVELATIONS.  81 

to  Its  envelope  and  affix  the  seal.  And  Master  Gabriel  shall 
take  it  to  you,  my  dear  Prince.  Oh,  take  heed,  and  be  upon 
your  guard,  Frederick  William,  for  your  respected  mother 
is  right.  I  am  your  evil  spirit,  and  I  can  only  stand  if  you  fall; 
therefore,  fall  you  must!  Oh,  I  have  learned  much  to-day, 
and  received  many  a  good  lesson.  '  It  is  better,'  so  said  the 
Elector  to  me — '  it  is  better  that  I  have  no  son  than  a  dis- 
obedient son,  who  resists  my  will.'  But  he  shall  resist  you. 
Elector  George  William — he  will  be  disobedient  to  you,  and 
I  shall  do  my  part  toward  making  him  so.  Then  how  said 
Count  Lesle:  '  If  the  son  becomes  the  father's  enemy,  then  it 
must  be  contrived  to  render  the  father  the  son's  enemy;  thus 
will  the  equilibrium  be  preserved.'  Oh,  my  dear  Count  Lesle, 
I  know  very  well  the  liistory  of  Philip  of  Spain  and  his  dis- 
obedient and  rebellious  son  Don  Carlos.  Take  care,  take 
care,  Electoral  Prince  Frederick  William,  that  you  share  not 
the  fate  of  Don  Carlos,  and  that  your  father  punish  you  not 
as  King  Philip  did  his  son! " 


BOOK  11. 

I. — The  Double  Eendezvotjs. 

The  Princess  Ludovicka  Hollandine  walked  restlessly  to 
and  fro  in  her  apartment.  Sometimes  she  stopped  at  the 
window  and  listened  intently;  then,  finding  all  without  still 
dark  and  silent,  she  stepped  back  and  continued  her  restless 
walk,  at  times  listening  again  at  door  or  window.  While  pass- 
ing the  great  Venetian  mirror  on  the  wall,  on  both  sides  of 
which  were  placed  two  silver  candlesticks  with  immense  burn- 
ing wax  tapers,  she  caught  sight  of  her  image  as  brightly  and 
distinctly  as  if  it  had  been  a  portrait,  and  she  drew  nearer,  like 
a  connoisseur  bent  on  examining  a  picture.  She  saw  before 
her  within  the  carved  gilt  framework  a  beautiful  maiden's 
form,  in  sky-blue  satin  robe  that  fell  in  wide,  heavy  folds 
around  her  full  and  blooming  figure.  The  low-necked  bodice 
left  wholly  uncovered  her  dazzling  white  shoulders,  and  be- 
neath the  transparent  gauze  of  her  sleeves  shone  the  fair  white 
arms  as  from  out  a  silver  cloud.  Her  head  rested  proudly  and 
gracefully  upon  the  slender  alabaster  neck,  and  was  crowned 
by  a  profusion  of  black  hair,  caught  up  behind  in  great  loops, 
and  fastened  with  bows  of  blue  satin  ribbon.  On  the  broad 
and  lofty  brow  it  was  massed  in  the  form  of  a  diadem,  with 
numberless  pretty  little  ringlets.  Her  cheeks  were  pale,  but 
of  that  clear,  transparent  paleness  which  has  nothing  in  com- 
mon with  sickness  and  suffering,  but  is  only  peculiar  to  vehe- 
ment, passionate  natures,  with  whom  the  cheeks  are  colorless, 
because  all  the  blood  concentrates  in  the  heart.  Her  large 
dark  eyes  had  at  the  same  time  a  languid,  melting  expression 
and  the  fire  and  glow  of  passion;  the  finely  cut,  slightly  curved 
nose,  the  firm,  somewhat  projecting  chin,  indicated  energy 

82 


THE  DOUBLE  RENDEZVOUS.  83 

and  decision;  and  around  the  full,  rosy  lips  hovered  a  singular 
expression  of  good  nature  and  frivolit}^ 

She  contemplated  herself  for  a  long  time,  then  a  well- 
pleased  smile  passed  over  her  fascinating  countenance.  "  I 
am  beautiful,"  she  said,  "  yes,  I  am  beautiful,  and  I  believe 
those  are  right  who  suppose  that  I  resemble  my  great-grand- 
mother, the  beautiful  Mary  Stuart.  0  Mary!  you  beautiful, 
bewitcliing  Queen — oh  teach  me  the  arts  which  won  for  you 
the  hearts  of  all  men;  inspire  me  with  the  glow  of  passion, 
let  it  flash  forth  from  me  in  bright  flames,  and  grant  that 
these  flames  may  kindle  and  fire  the  one  I  love,  whom  I  will 
possess,  and  on  whom  all  my  hopes  and  desires  are  fixed!  But 
hush!  did  I  not  hear  steps?" 

She  again  hurried  to  the  window  and  listened,  holding 
her  breath.  A  shrill,  thrice-repeated  whistle  was  heard,  sound- 
ing strangely  awful  in  the  stillness  of  the  night. 

"  It  is  he,"  murmured  the  Princess,  "  it  is  the  concerted 
signal." 

She  took  from  a  table  standing  near  a  package  consisting 
of  cords  and  knots,  and  unrolled  it.  It  was  a  rope  ladder, 
twisted  artfully  and  durably  of  fine  cords,  and  held  together 
at  the  top  by  a  strong  iron  ring.  This  ring  the  Princess  now 
slipped  over  the  iron  hook  which  was  fixed  in  the  middle  of 
the  cross  work  of  the  window,  and  lowered  the  rope  ladder, 
while  at  the  same  time,  as  if  in  answer,  she  repeated  the  whistle 
in  the  same  manner.  Then  she  bounded  back  from  the  win- 
dow, flew  through  the  room  to  both  doors,  assured  herself 
that  the  bolts  were  secured,  and  with  hasty  hands  dropped 
the  curtains  over  them. 

"  No  one  can  hear  us,  no  one  can  see  us,  no  one  can  get  in 
here,"  she  murmured;  "he  may  come." 

A  slight  rustling  was  heard  below  the  window,  then  a  dark 
mass  appeared  in  the  open  space,  and  a  closely  muffled  manly 
form  jumped  from  the  windowsill  down  into  the  apartment. 
Wholly  enveloped  in  the  folds  of  an  ample  black  cloak,  whose 
hood  was  thrown  over  the  head  and  drawn  far  over  the  face, 
it  was  impossible  to  recognize  the  visitor's  features. 

The  person  thus  disguised  curiously  and  inquisitively 
turned  his  head  to  both  sides  of  the  room,  strode  rapidly  across 


84  THE   HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

it,  lifted  tho  curtains  from  botli  doors,  examined  the  fasten- 
ings of  the  bolts,  went  to  the  divan,  peered  under  it,  and,  after 
completing  this  silent  inspection  of  the  chamber,  returned  to 
the  window,  loosened  the  cord  from  the  hook,  drew  in  the  rope- 
ladder,  and  closed  the  window. 

Princess  Ludovicka  Hollandine,  standing  in  the  middle 
of  the  apartment,  had  watched  this  singular  demeanour  on 
the  part  of  the  mysterious  intruder  with  growing  astonish- 
ment. She  had  first  held  out  her  arms  to  greet  the  expected, 
the  longed-for,  to  press  him  to  her  beating  heart,  but,  finding 
that  he  came  not  to  embrace  her,  she  had  slowly  dropped  her 
arms  again.  She  had  looked  toward  him  with  a  tender  glance, 
a  fascinating  smile,  but  when  he  hastened  not  to  her,  her 
glance  had  grown  dark  and  her  smile  had  vanished;  and  now, 
when  he  did  approach  her,  she  assumed  an  air  of  distant,  proud 
reserve.  He  seemed  not  to  see  it,  and,  bending  his  knee  be- 
fore her,  his  head  being  still  concealed,  he  pressed  the  hem 
of  her  garment  reverentially  to  his  lips. 

"  Most  beautiful,  most  condescending  of  all  princesses," 
he  whispered  softly,  "  I  sue  for  pardon,  for  forgiveness." 

The  Princess  shrank  back,  and  a  glowing  flush  overspread 
her  cheeks.  "My  God!"  she  murmured,  "that  is  not  the 
voice " 

"  Not  the  voice  of  the  one  whom  your  highness  desires  to 
see,"  said  the  kneeling  figure,  concluding  her  sentence  for  her. 
"  Yes,  most  amiable  Princess,  your  tender,  sensitive  heart  is 
not  deceived.  I  am  not  the  Electoral  Prince  of  Brandenburg. 
I  am " 

"  Count  d'Entragues,  the  French  ambassador,"  cried  the 
Princess,  as  the  disguised  man  now  threw  back  the  hood  of 
his  mantle,  and  lifted  up  to  her  his  youthfully  handsome, 
smiling  face. 

"  Scream  not,  most  gracious  lady,"  said  he,  hastily,  "  and 
do  not  scold  me,  either;  but  be  merciful  and  forgive  me.  I 
lie  here  at  your  feet  and  entreat  for  pardon,  and  will  not  rise 
until  you  have  granted  it." 

The  Princess  still  kept  her  astonished  and  inquiring  glance 
fixed  upon  him,  but  the  sight  of  this  handsome  young  man 
disarmed  her  wrath. 


J 


THE   DOUBLE   RENDEZVOUS.  85 

"  Stand  up,  Count  d'Entragues,"  she  said — "  stand  up 
and  account  to  me  for  this  daring  crime." 

"  Your  highness  is  right,"  returned  he,  "  it  is  a  daring 
crime,  and  only  the  extremest  necessity  could  have  driven 
me  to  this.  I  shall  immediately  therefore  have  the  honor  of 
explaining  all  tliis  to  the  lovely,  bewitching  Princess  Ludo- 
vicka  Hollandine." 

With  youthful  agility  he  arose  from  his  knees,  took  off  his 
cloak,  which  he  carelessly  threw  into  a  corner  of  the  apart- 
ment, and  presented  himself  to  the  Princess  in  a  gold-em- 
broidered velvet  suit,  richly  trimmed  with  lace  and  ribbons. 
Ludo-vicka  fixed  her  large  eyes  upon  the  proud  and  dazzling 
apparition  of  the  young  count,  and  the  angry  flashing  of  her 
eyes  softened. 

"  Sir  Count,"  she  said,  imperiously,  "  without  evasion  and 
without  circumlocution  explain  to  me  directly  the  meaning 
of  this!  " 

"You  permit  me  to  do  so,  then,  fairest  Princess?  You 
thereby  empower  me  to  remain  a  half  hour  in  your  charming 
presence?  " 

And  while  the  count  thus  questioned,  he  took  the  hand  of 
the  Princess  and  covered  it  with  kisses.  Then,  with  graceful 
gallantry  and  solemn  seriousness,  as  if  they  had  been  in  the 
midst  of  a  grand  courtly  assemblage,  he  conducted  her  to  the 
divan.  There  she  seated  herself,  and  he  bowed  before  her 
with  all  the  formality  and  obsequiousness  of  a  courtier  as  he 
took  his  place  beside  her. 

"  Now  your  highness  desires  to  know  above  all  things  how 
I  can  have  dared  to  intrude  here  at  so  unusual  an  hour,  and 
without  the  shadow  of  permission,"  he  said  with  his  mellif- 
luous, insinuating  voice.  "  Most  gracious  Princess,  I  confess 
that  you  are  well  justified  in  this  curiosity,  and  I  hasten  to 
gratify  it.  Your  grace  expected  a  visitor  indeed,  but  not  the 
tiresome,  unbidden  Count  d'Entragues — not  the  ambassador 
and  servant  of  King  Louis  XIII  or  Cardinal  Richelieu,  but 
you  expected  an  eloquent,  handsome  young  Prince,  who  loves 
the  Princess  Ludovicka  Hollandine  with  passionate  enthusi- 
asm, and  to  whom  after  long  and  vain  entreaties  she  has  at 
last  granted  a  rendezvous." 


86  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

"  My  God!  "  said  the  Princess,  with  an  expression  of  hor- 
ror, "how  know  you  that,  count?  " 

"  My  most  gracious  Princess,  I  have  a  magician  in  my 
service,  who  acquaints  me  with  everything  that  happens  here 
at  court  and,  above  all  things,  in  the  palace  of  the  Queen  of 
Bohemia,  and  first  of  all  in  the  apartments  of  the  Princess 
Ludovicka  Hollandine." 

"  And  the  name  of  this  magician  is?  " 

"  Ducato,  sweetest  Princess,  Ducato.  Ah!  if  you  knew 
what  dear,  precious  secrets  this  magician  has  imparted  to  me, 
how  loquaciously  he  blabs  out  to  me  everything  that  the  fair- 
est Princess  in  the  world  thinks  and  does  by  day  and  by  night! 
I  know,  for  example,  how  the  lovely  Princess  stays  with  her 
mother  with  ever  so  much  seriousness,  goes  with  her  to  church, 
visits  respectfully  the  Stadtholder  of  Holland,  and  fondles 
and  pets  the  little  Princess  Louise;  how  she  carries  on  her 
studies,  plays  the  lute,  paints  and  sings.  But,  God  be  thanked! 
life  consists  not  entirely  of  days,  but  happily  has  its  nights 
likewise." 

"  What  do  you  mean  by  that.  Sir  Count  d'Entragues?  " 

"  I  mean,"  replied  the  Count,  while  he  smilingly  bent 
over  closer  to  the  Princess — "  I  mean  that  here  at  The  Hague 
there  is  a  wonderful,  charming  combination  of  young  gentle- 
men and  noble  young  ladies,  who  have  laid  themselves  out 
expressly  to  embellish  these  nights,  and  to  indemnify  them- 
selves for  their  somber,  gloomy  days  by  Joyous,  merry  nights. 
It  is  a  secret  order,  into  which  it  is  a  distinguished  honor  to 
be  received,  and  which  is  shrouded  in  deepest  secrecy.  Never 
would  a  lady  own  that  she  belongs  to  it,  and  yet  they  say 
that  the  fairest,  most  exalted,  most  virtuous  ladies  press  to 
be  received  into  this  order.  It  is  not  known  of  any  of  the 
ladies  of  the  court  that  they  belong  to  it,  but  it  is  suspected 
of  each.  No  one  can  say  that  he  has  seen  this  or  that  one 
among  the  noble  and  virtuous  ladies  there,  for  at  all  the  re- 
unions of  the  members  of  the  order  the  ladies  wear  small  half- 
masks,  and  it  is  the  first  and  most  sacred  law  of  the  order  that 
no  man  dares  to  lay  so  much  as  a  finger  upon  this  mask — ^this 
precious  secret  of  the  ladies.  Moreover,  they  appear  only  in 
Grecian  robes,  so  that  it  is  difficult  to  recognize  the  beautiful 


THE   DOUBLE   RENDEZVOUS.  87 

forms  of  the  ladies  again  in  their  elaborate  court  dresses  and 
with  their  stiff  Fontanges.  The  name  of  this  secret  society  is 
Media  Nocte,  and  it  is  especially  an  honor  to  belong  to  it,  for 
nobody  is  admitted  who  has  not  stood  his  probation — that 
is  to  say,  shown  that  he  has  acquired  considerable  proficiency 
in  some  art,  and  excels  in  it.  He,  therefore,  who  can  not  sing 
or  play  on  the  lute,  paint  or  improvise,  speak  eloquently,  or 
by  some  gift  contribute  to  the  enjoyment  of  the  company,  can 
never  arrive  at  the  distinction  of  becoming  a  member  of  this 
order.  When,  therefore,  it  is  whispered  of  a  gentleman  that 
he  belongs  to  the  order,  he  is  supposed  to  be  not  merely  an 
accomplished  gentleman,  but  an  entertaining  companion,  a 
favorite  of  the  Muses.  If  tliis  secret  is  wliispered  of  a  lady, 
then  we  look  upon  her  with  admiration,  rapture,  joy,  for  we 
know  that  we  have  before  us  one  of  those  choice,  enchant- 
ing, and  rare  beings,  who  are  exalted  above  all  prejudice;  who 
believe  not,  with  zealots  and  ascetics,  that  we  live  only  to  die, 
but  who  joyfully  acknowledge  that  we  live  to  live,  and,  there- 
fore, that  the  noblest,  worthiest  task  proposed  is  to  render  this 
life  as  pleasant  as  possible." 

"Why  do  you  tell  me  all  this,  dear  count?"  asked  the 
Princess  impatiently. 

"  It  is  true,"  replied  he,  smiling;  "  why  should  I  tell  you 
what  you  know  already?  I  tell  it  to  your  highness  in  order 
to  prove  to  you  that  I,  thanks  to  my  little  magician  Ducato, 
know  the  secret  of  the  Media  Nocte;  I  tell  it  to  you  in  order 
now  to  whisper  a  secret  in  your  ear:  the  Princess  Ludovicka 
Hollandine  belongs  to  the  society,  she  is  a  member  of  the 
order  of  the  Media  Nocte." 

The  Princess  only  with  difficulty  suppressed  a  shriek,  and 
stared  with  horror  at  the  smiling  countenance  of  the  young 
count. 

"  Hush,  gracious  lady,  hush!  "  whispered  the  latter  while 
he  took  her  hand  and  imprinted  a  reverential  kiss  upon  the 
tips  of  her  rosy  fingers.  "  Why  should  you  wish  to  deny  what 
is  so  genial  and  so  delightful?  ]\Iy  magician  Ducato  always 
tells  me  the  truth;  why  should  we  dispute  it?  But  it  was 
not  that  which  your  highness  wished  to  learn  of  me.  You 
would  ask  me,  how  I  know  that  the  Electoral  Prince  of  Bran- 


88  THE   HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

denburg  loves  the  beautiful  Princess  Ludovicka  Hollandine, 
and  was  to  have  his  first  rendezvous  with  her  to-day.  Once 
more,  it  is  the  magician  Ducato  who  has  told  me  that;  yes, 
tliat  good,  obliging  magician  has  done  yet  more  for  me.  He 
put  into  my  hands  the  pretty  little  note  which  the  Princess 
Ludovicka  sent  yesterday  through  her  confidential  maid- 
servant to  the  confidential  valet  of  the  Electoral  Prince,  before 
the  Prince  had  read  it  himself." 

"  That  is  shameful — that  is  unheard  of!  "  said  the  Prin- 
cess, with  glowing  cheeks  and  tears  in  her  eyes.  "  It  is  an 
abominable  piece  of  deceit  on  the  part  of  my  maid,  and  she 
shall  pay  for  it.  To-morrow  morning  I  shall  dismiss  her, 
and '" 

"  That  she  may  tell  all  the  world  the  little  secrets  of  her 
exalted  mistress?  "  asked  Count  d'Entragues.  "  Oh,  no,  your 
highness;  the  maid  is  perfectly  innocent  of  deceit,  and  it  was 
only  the  magician  Ducato  who  played  the  Princess's  pretty 
little  note  into  my  hands.    And  will  my  sweetest  lady  know 

now  what  I  did  with  the  little  note?    I  read  it  first,  then 

I  saw  there  that  a  rendezvous  was  granted  the  Prince  at  one 
o'clock.    I  took  a  very  small  sharp  knife  and " 

"  And?    My  God,  go  on!    What  did  you  with  the  knjfe?  " 

"  I  very  delicately  erased  and  altered  the  number  from 
a  one  into  a  two.  Then  I  refolded  the  note,  and  handed  it 
to  my  magician  for  further  preferment  to  the  Prince." 

"  The  Electoral  Prince  has  received  my  note,  then? " 
asked  the  Princess.    "  He  will  consequently " 

"  Come  at  two  o'clock,  instead  of  one  o'clock,"  replied 
the  count,  and  he  intercepted  the  look  which  Ludovicka  cast 
upon  the  large  French  clock  upon  the  mantelpiece.  "  Yes, 
we  have  just  a  half  hour  before  the  Prince  makes  his  appear- 
ance, and  I  hope  that  will  suffice  to  obtain  your  highness's 
pardon  for  my  boldness,  and  to  establish  a  good  understanding 
between  myself  and  the  most  spirituelle,  most  genial,  and  most 
beautiful  Princess  of  all  the  European  courts.  Will  your 
highness  be  kind  enough  to  grant  me  a  hearing?  " 

The  Princess  smiled  imperceptibly.  "  The  question  comes 
somewhat  late,"  she  said.  "  If  you  had  asked  it  while  you 
stood  there  on  the  windowsill,  before  you  came  into  my  room, 


THE  DOUBLE   RENDEZVOUS.  89 

then  I  should  have  repHed:  '  No,  he  off!  No,  you  are  a  shame- 
less person,  who  has  dared  to  spy  out  my  secrets,  to  bribe  my 
servants,  and  to  deceive  me,  while  he  approaches  me  in  a  way 
that  he  knew  perfectly  was  no+  open  to  him.'  But  you  are 
here  now;  alas!  I  have  not  the  power  to  expel  you,  and  to 
punish  you  before  all  the  world  as  you  deserve." 

"  0  Princess!  as  if  your  harsh  and  cruel  words  were  not 
a  punishment,  which  touches  my  heart  more  sensibly  than 
the  cut  of  a  sword  or  thrust  of  a  dagger!  " 

The  Princess  seemed  not  to  have  heard  these  words  of 
the  count,  spoken  with  artistic  effect,  and  continued:  "You 
are  here  now,  and  I  will  at  least  know  what  inspired  you  to  run 
tliis  unheard-of  risk  of  forcing  yourself  upon  my  notice.  I 
am  therefore  ready  to  listen  to  you,  on  condition  that  you  try 
to  be  short  and  not  burden  me  too  long  with  your  presence." 

"  Permit  me  to  thank  you,  most  condescending  Princess," 
cried  the  count,  while  he  sank  from  the  ottoman  down  upon 
his  knees,  and  pressed  his  glowing  lips  upon  the  hem  of  the 
Princess's  robe.  "  I  thank  you,  and  swear  that  I  will  not 
overstep  the  limit  prescribed,  and  depart  at  two  with  the  first 
stroke  of  the  clock." 

"  Eise,  count,  rise  and  speak,"  said  Ludovicka,  in  com- 
manding tones,  and  with  the  full  dignity  of  a  Princess. 

Count  d'Entragues  again  resumed  his  seat  upon  the  divan. 
"  Your  highness  commands  now  that  I  explain  how  I  could 
have  dared  to  come  here  ?  " 

"  I  confess  that  I  am  very  anxious  to  hear  this  explana- 
tion." 

"  "Well,  then,  your  highness  is  young,  very  young  indeed, 
hardly  eighteen  years  old,  but  you  possess,  in  addition  to  a  soft 
and  tender  heart,  an  almost  masculine  intellect.  I  appre- 
hend from  this  that  you  interest  yourself  in  politics." 

"  There  you  are  entirely  mistaken,  count.  I  hate,  I  abhor 
politics,  and  when  my  mother  proposes  to  talk  politics  with 
me  I  always  run  away." 

"  That  is  bad,  very  bad,  your  highness,  for  T  am  forced 
to  talk  politics  to  you.  But  I  shall  not  be  tedious,  but  limit 
myself  to  what  is  absolutely  necessary.  I  shall  therefore 
begin,  in  order  to  give  your  highness  a  proof  of  my  rever- 


90  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

ential,  unlimited  confidence,  by  telling  you  what  no  one  here 
knows — by  telling  you  why  I  have  been  sent  here  and  what 
my  errand  is.  Princess,  I  have  been  ostensibly  sent  here  to 
the  Stadtholder  of  Orange  and  as  ambassador  from  the  King 
of  France  to  the  Sovereign  States.  In  reality,  I  have  been 
sent  to  two  entirely  different  persons — to  the  Electoral  Prince 
of  Brandenburg  and  to  the  Princess  Ludovicka  Hollandine." 

''To  me?"  asked  the  Princess,  and  her  beautiful  face 
expressed  the  most  undisguised  astonishment. 

"  Yes,  to  yourself,  most  gracious  Princess.  And  does  your 
highness  know  why?  Because  our  spies  here,  as  well  as  the 
gentlemen  of  the  French  embassy  to  Holland,  had  reported 
that  the  Electoral  Prince  of  Brandenburg  was  smitten  with 
the  most  glowing  love  for  your  highness." 

The  Princess  blushed  with  pleasure,  and  a  wondrous  smile 
lit  up  her  radiant  countenance.  "  But,"  asked  she,  "  how 
does  it  concern  the  court  of  France  whom  the  Electoral  Prince 
of  Brandenburg  loves?  " 

"  It  concerns  the  court  of  France  very  nearly,  your  high- 
ness. I  can  not  avoid  now  burdening  your  highness  a  little 
with  hated  politics,  while  I  explain  to  you  how  it  comes  that 
the  love  of  the  Electoral  Prince  of  Brandenburg  is  a  state 
affair  for  the  European  courts.  It  comes  from  this,  your  high- 
ness, because  the  Electoral  Prince,  however  small  and  insignifi- 
cant his  house,  however  inconsiderable,  too,  his  future  realm 
of  Brandenburg,  is  still  a  very  important  personage.  Three 
crowns  are  hovering  in  the  air  above  his  head,  and  if  he  ob- 
tains all  three  he  will  be  a  mighty  Prince,  and  his  sword  may 
turn  the  scale  in  the  balance  of  peace  and  war." 

"  What  three  crowns  are  those  which  hover  thus  above 
the  Prince's  head?  " 

"  There  is  first  the  crown  of  the  dukedom  of  Prussia,  with 
which  the  King  of  Poland  has  to  invest  the  Electoral  Prince 
of  Brandenburg,  and  which  the  Elector  of  Saxony  would 
be  too  glad  to  see  fall  upon  his  own  head.  Then,  in  the  second 
place,  there  is  the  crown  of  the  duchy  of  Pomerania,  which 
belongs  to  the  house  of  Brandenburg  by  right  of  inheritance, 
and  which  the  Swedes  are  struggling  for;  and  finally,  in  the 
third  place,  there  is  the  crown  of  the  duchy  of  Cleves,  Juliers, 


THE  DOUBLE  RENDEZVOUS.  91 

and  Berg,  which  the  Emperor  of  Germany  has  indeed  ad- 
judged to  that  house,  but  which  is  so  torn  by  Hessians  and 
Spaniards,  by  the  States,  by  the  Swedes  and  various  robbers, 
that  probably  hardly  anything  at  all  of  it  will  be  left.  But 
nevertheless,  there  it  is,  and  if  the  future  Elector  of  Bran- 
denburg actually  succeeds  in  uniting  upon  his  own  head  these 
three  crowns,  besides  the  electoral  hat  of  Brandenburg,  then 
he  will  be  mighty  and  influential,  and  have  a  full  sounding 
voice  in  the  concert  of  the  European  princes.  But  now  you 
must  know  that  the  Elector  of  Brandenburg  is  sickly,  and 
has  not  many  more  years  to  live.  Then  the  Electoral  Prince 
Frederick  William  becomes  his  successor,  and  it  is  only  need- 
ful to  have  seen  the  Prince  for  a  few  hours,  to  have  looked 
into  his  fiery  eyes,  to  be  made  aware  that  he  will  not  tread 
in  his  father's  footsteps,  that  he  will  not  be  the  submissive 
vassal  of  the  German  Emperor,  a  mere  tool  in  the  hands  of 
his  minister,  but  that  his  efforts  will  be  directed  to  making 
himself  a  free,  independent  Prince,  and  his  country  a  strong, 
powerful,  and  self-sustaining  state.  The  Minister  von 
Schwarzenberg,  the  almighty  representative  of  the  present 
Elector,  knows  this  very  well,  and  on  this  account  dreads  and 
hates  the  Electoral  Prince;  he  has  therefore  removed  him 
from  his  father's  court  in  order  to  take  away  all  influence 
from  him,  and  he  would  esteem  himself  happy  if  some  lucky 
accident  or  criminal  hand  should  free  him  from  this  incon- 
venient successor  to  the  throne.  But  heretofore  accident  has 
not  favored  him;  nor  has  he  yet  dared  to  press  the  mur- 
derous hand  into  his  service;  and  he  has  therefore  been  com- 
pelled to  devise  some  other  method  for  securing  his  future, 
and  so  enchaining  the  Electoral  Prince  that  he,  too,  may 
remain  the  Emperor's  obedient  vassal.  As  the  best  means  for 
attaining  this  object  it  has  occurred  to  them  to  bind  the  Elec- 
toral Prince  to  the  German  imperial  house  by  marriage,  and 
to  receive  him  into  the  Hapsburg  family.  The  Archduke 
Leopold,  the  future  Emperor,  has  a  very  pretty  daughter. 
She  is  intellectual,  ardent,  a  strict  Catholic,  and  has  at  heart 
the  greatness  of  the  Hapsburg  house  and  the  German  Em- 
peror. This  princess,  or  rather  archduchess,  has  been  selected 
for  the  Electoral  Prince  of  Brandenburo;,  and  on  that  account 


92  THE  HEIR  TO  THE   THRONE. 

the  Electoral  Prince  is  now  to  return  home,  for  the  Elector 
and  his  Minister  Schwarzenberg  are  much  bent  upon  tlie  im- 
perial alliance,  and  have  alread}^  promised  that  the  Electoral 
Prince  shall  make  a  visit  to  the  imperial  court.  But,  excuse 
me,  I  am  misusing  your  indulgence,  Princess.  I  am  holding 
forth  to  you  a  long-winded  political  harangue,  forgetting  en- 
tirely how  yovi  hate  politics,  what  a  heinous  crime  I  am  com- 
mitting, and  that  I  weary  you." 

"  You  do  not  weary  me  at  all,'"  replied  Ludovicka  quickly. 
"  On  the  contrary,  you  interest  me  greatly.  Only  go  on.  I 
am  listening  attentively.  You  said  that  the  Electoral  Prince 
was  to  return  home  in  order  to  make  a  visit  to  the  imperial 
court,  and  to  marry  an  archduchess  of  Austria?  " 

"  Pardon  me,  your  liighness.  I  only  said  this  was  the 
new  plan  of  the  imperial  court,  and  consequently  of  the  Min- 
ister Schwarzenberg  and  his  Elector.  And,  indeed,  the  plan 
is  good,  for  the  son-in-law  of  the  Emperor  would  be  wholly 
dependent  upon  Austria,  and  if  then  the  three  pending  crowns 
should  settle  upon  his  brow,  it  would  be  the  same  as  if  Austria 
herself  wore  them.  Then  they  would  cause  the  young  mar- 
ried couple  to  make  an  agreement  respecting  claims  of  in- 
heritance, in  accordance  with  which  the  survivor  should  be- 
come heir  to  the  first  deceased.  Then,  some  day,  the  Electoral 
Prince,  or  the  young  Elector,  would  have  the  misfortune  to 
fall  from  his  horse,  or  be  pierced  while  hunting  by  some  mis- 
sent  bullet,  or  fall  a  victim  to  a  sudden  problematical  sick- 
ness; in  short,  he  would  die,  and  his  wife  would  be  his  heiress, 
and  through  her  the  Electoral  Mark  Brandenburg,  the  duchies 
of  Prussia,  Pomerania,  and  Cleves,  accrue  to  the  imperial 
house.  This  would  be  then  to  put  an  end  to  the  long,  fearful 
war,  to  make  peace  with  Sweden  by  relinquishing  Pomerania 
to  her,  and,  in  order  to  see  this  war  finally  ended,  which  has 
desolated  the  whole  of  Germany,  the  other  German  powers 
would  acquiesce  in  Pomerania  becoming  Swedish,  and  Cleves, 
Brandenburg,  and  Prussia  Hapsburgian." 

"  Sir  Count!  "  cried  the  Princess,  "  now  you  become  tire- 
some, for  you  have  digressed  from  your  subject! " 

"From  the  Electoral  Prince?  Oh,  no;  I  have  already 
come  to  him  again,  fairest  Princess!     I  said  all  Germany 


J 


THE  DOUBLE  RENDEZVOUS.  93 

would  consent  to  this  marriage.  Poland,  too,  would  rather 
invest  the  Catholic  imperial  house  with  the  Prussian  crown 
than  the  reformed  Elector,  and  prefer  an  Austrian  neighbor 
as  friend  to  a  Eussian;  only  two  European  powers  would  look 
askance  upon  tliis  union,  and  consequently  do  all  they  possi- 
bly could  to  prevent  its  consummation." 

"  And  who  are  these  two  powers,  Sir  Count?  " 

"  One  power  is  France,  who  would  never  consent  to  so 
striking  an  aggrandizement  of  the  house  of  Austria,  and  can 
not  passively  submit  to  see  it  spread  itself  so  extensively 
north,  west,  and  east." 

"  And  the  second  power,  count?  " 

"  The  second  power  is  the  Princess  Ludovicka  Hollandine 
of  the  Palatinate,  who  would  never  give  up  the  handsome 
Electoral  Prince,  and  would  snatch  at  any  means  of  prevent- 
ing his  marriage  with  any  one  else.  Will  you  condescend  to 
acknowledge  that  I  have  told  the  truth?  " 

"Yes!"  cried  the  Princess  passionately — "yes,  you  have 
told  the  truth!  I  love  him,  and  the  only  happiness  upon  earth 
for  me  is  in  becoming  his  wife!  " 

"  Princess,  I  presume  to  make  a  proposal  to  you.  Let  the 
two  powers  that  wish  not  the  marriage  with  an  Austrian  arch- 
duchess conclude  together  a  league  offensive  and  defensive. 
The  power  France  accedes  to  this  with  joy.  It  promises  to 
further  and  support  the  second  power  in  all  her  plans,  to  lend 
her  efficient  aid,  that  the  Princess  Ludovicka  Hollandine 
may  wed  the  Electoral  Prince  of  Brandenburg." 

"  Oh,  heavens,  count,  you  would  do  that,  you " 

"  France  will  do  that,  not  I,"  said  the  count  passionately. 
"ISTo,  not  I,  Princess,  for  you  know  well  that  I  was  rash 
enough  to  lift  my   eyes   to   your  heavenly   apparition,   my 

lieart But  hush,  you  poor,  foolish  heart,  suffer  and  be 

dumb,  sacrifice  yourself,  and  only  busy  yourself  in  making 
happy  the  sweet  object  of  your  warm  and  glowing  love!  Prin- 
cess, you  love  the  Electoral  Prince!  France  offers  you  her 
assistance  that  you  may  marry  him.  This  marriage  will  throw 
the  E:iector  as  well  as  the  German  Emperor  into  the  greatest 
rage;  they  will  both  refuse  their  consent;  they  will  require 
ITolland  to  deliver  up  the  Electoral  Prince;  they  will  pro- 


94  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

claim  invalid  the  marriage  between  two  minor  lovers,  and  will 
cut  off  the  Electoral  Prince  from  all  means  of  subsistence.'* 

"  Oh,  that  is  shocking,  you  give  me  a  glimpse  of  a  back- 
ground which  fills  me  with  dread  and  horror,"  lamented  the 
Princess. 

"  Fear  nothing,  dread  nothing,"  whispered  the  count. 
"  France  is  here  to  support  you.  France  offers  the  young 
couple  an  asylum  in  Paris,  and  will  receive  them  at  her  court 
with  pleasure.  France  will  take  care  that  the  Electoral  Prince 
and  his  wife  want  for  nothing;  she  will  pay  him  rich  subsidies, 
contribute  vast  sums  of  money  that  the  Electoral  Prince  may 
present  his  young  bride  with  a  costly  outfit;  and  finally,  in 
the  name  of  her  mother,  the  Electress  of  the  Palatinate,  pro- 
vide the  Princess  with  a  truly  princely  income." 

"  How  land,  how  generous  that  is  of  France!  "  cried  Lu- 
dovicka.  "  It  will  promote  my  happiness,  it  will  aid  me  in 
being  united  with  my  beloved;  it  thereby  pledges  me  to  eternal 
gratitude,  and  never  shall  I  forget  that  I  owe  to  France  the 
happiness  of  my  whole  life." 

"  And  that,  adored  Princess,  that  is  the  only  tiling  that 
France  claims  for  its  good  offices — a  little  gratitude!  A  faith- 
ful remembrance  of  its  good  offices  rendered,  the  sure  promise 
that  the  Elector  Frederick  William  of  Brandenburg  will  never 
range  himself  on  the  side  of  the  enemies  of  France,  never 
league  himself  with  the  house  of  Austria  against  France,  but 
forever  remain  the  faithful  ally  and  friend  of  France!  " 

"I  promise  you  that — I  give  you  my  solemn  word  for  it! 
Oh,  we  are  no  ingrates,  to  reward  you  with  ingratitude;  be 
sure  and  certain  of  that.  The  Electoral  Prince  loves  me;  he 
will  bid  all  welcome  that  makes  a  union  with  me  possible; 
he  will  be  eternally  grateful  to  those  who  will  lend  us  a  help- 
ing hand." 

"  And — forgive  me,  your  highness,  for  asking  one  ques- 
tion— has  he  offered  you  his  hand;  has  he  made  you  a  formal 
proposal  of  marriage?  " 

"  He  has  sworn  a  thousand  times  that  he  loves  me;  he 
has  so  long  and  so  often  besought  me  to  grant  him  an  inter- 
view that  I  have  at  last  done  so — all  the  rest  follows." 

"  Now,"  said  the  count,  with  a  meaning  smile,  "  that  is 


THE   DOUBLE   RENDEZVOUS.  95 

just  as  one  may  take  it.  In  any  case,  this  interview  will  be 
useful  and  to  the  purpose,  and  your  highness  must  now  bring 
the  Prince  to  declare  himself  formally." 

"  My  heavens!  "  cried  the  Princess  impatiently,  "  I  tell 
you  that  he  has  very  often  declared  himself,  that  he  has  sworn 
to  me  a  thousand  times  that  of  all  the  world  he  loves  me,  and 
me  alone!    What  more  would  you  have  him  say?  " 

"  Princess,  you  are  an  angel  of  innocence  and  maidenly 
simplicity.  When  I  say  the  Prince  must  declare  himself,  I 
mean  by  that  that  he  must  sue  for  your  hand;  he  must  say 
to  you  in  so  many  words  that  he  wishes  to  marry  you." 

"  Good!  he  shall  do  so,  even  to-day.  Oh,  sir,  it  pleases 
you  to  doubt  the  love  of  the  Electoral  Prince?  You  dare  to 
think  it  possible  that  he  may  be  only  amusing  himself  with 
me — that  he  has  no  serious  designs?  I  shall  prove  to  you  that 
you  are  mistaken — that  you  wrong  me  and  the  Electoral 
Prince  alike  by  your  doubt.  This  very  night  he  shall  offer 
me  his  hand — this  very  night  I  shall  engage  myself  to  him!  " 

"  And  to-morrow  night  the  nuptials  must  take  place!  " 
cried  the  count. 

The  Princess  shrank  back  and  a  glowing  blush  overspread 
her  cheeks.  "So  soon — to-morrow  night?"  she  murmured. 
"  My  God!  this  haste " 

"  Is  necessary,  if  the  marriage  is  ever  to  take  place  at  all, 
Princess.  There  is  a  common  but  very  wise  proverb  which 
says,  '  Strike  while  the  iron  is  hot.'  Strike,  Princess,  strike, 
for  I  tell  you  what  does  not  happen  to-morrow  night  will  be 
utterly  impossible  the  day  after.  We  have  fortunately  our 
secret  agents  everywhere,  as  well  here  as  at  the  courts  of  Berlin 
and  Konigsberg,  and  we  therefore  know  that  both  Count 
Schwarzenbcrg  and  the  Elector  have  sent  their  messengers 
here  to  induce  the  Electoral  Prince  to  a  speedy  departure, 
and  to  threaten  him  with  his  father's  wrath  in  case  he  should 
allow  himself  to  marry  the  Princess  Ludovicka  Hollandinc." 

"  But  that  is  abominable!  "  cried  the  Princess,  with  tears 
in  her  eyes. 

"One  of  these  messengers,"  continued  the  count,  "and 
indeed  the  messenger  of  Count  Schwarzenbcrg,  as  I  suspect, 
lias  already  arrived  this  evening,  and  the  Electoral  Prince  has 


96  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

already  received  him.  The  other  will  probably  come  to-mor- 
row, and  if  you  then  still  delay,  if  you  do  not  surprise  the 
Prince  in  the  first  storm  of  his  indignation,  and  thereby  lead 
him  to  bind  himself  to  you  by  a  secret  marriage,  then  all  is 
lost,  and  the  two  powers  Hollandine  and  France  are  conquered 
by  Brandenburg  and  Austria." 

"  That  shall  not  be!  "  cried  the  Princess,  jumping  up,  and 
with  hasty  steps  moving  to  and  fro.  "  No,  we  are  not  to  be 
conquered!     They  shall  not  tear  my  beloved  from  me!  " 

"  Well,  Princess,  if  you  are  firmly  resolved,  then  I  beg  as 
a  favor  to  be  allowed  to  be  of  service  to  you." 

"  Yes,  help  me — advise  me." 

"  I  have  counted  upon  your  love  and  your  energy.  Prin- 
cess, and  therefore  have  already  drawn  up  a  stated  plan.  Will 
you  hear  it?  " 

"  Not  merely  hear,  but  execute  it,  too,  if  it  is  at  all  prac- 
ticable," cried  Ludovicka,  while  she  remained  standing  in  the 
center  of  the  room,  and  turned  her  large,  flaming  eyes  upon 
the  count,  who  had  likewise  arisen  and  advanced  smilingly 
toward  her. 

"  Well,  then.  Princess,  the  plan  is  short  and  simple.  The 
Prince  makes  you  to-night  his  offer  of  marriage." 

"  Yes,  this  very  night,"  said  she,  proudly. 

"  He  swears  that  he  will  marry  you  as  soon  as  possible." 

"  Oh,  you  may  be  sure  of  that;  he  will  swear  it  to  me." 

"  Own  to  him  that  you  have  friends  on  whose  aid  and 
assistance  you  can  count,  but  let  him  not  suspect  who  these 
friends  are.  Then  lead  the  conversation  to  the  Media 
Nocte But,  my  heavens!  "  exclaimed  the  count,  interrupt- 
ing himself,  while  he  looked  as  if  accidentally  at  the  clock, 
"  it  only  wants  now  a  few  minutes  of  two  o'clock,  and  the 
Electoral  Prince  will  certainly  come  punctually,  and  therefore 
will  be  here  directly.  I  have  written  out  all  that  it  is  neces- 
sary that  you  will  have  the  complaisance  to  do  between  this 
and  to-morrow.  Eead  it  over  at  your  leisure,  and  impress  it 
rightly  upon  your  mind.  Here  is  the  paper,  and  may  my 
writing  find  a  hearing  and  favor!  If  such  be  the  case,  as  I 
hope  and  desire,  then  will  your  highness  have  the  goodness 
to  open  your  window  a  little  at  ten  o'clock  and  display  from 


THE  DOUBLE  RENDEZVOUS.  97 

it  an  orange-colored  ribbon.  All  the  rest  will  take  care  of 
itself,  and  what  your  highness  has  to  do  is  on  the  paper.  I 
hasten  to  withdraw,  that  your  highness  may  have  time  to  read 
my  writing." 

"  But  if  the  Prince  should  come  now?  "  asked  Ludovicka 
anxiously — "  if  he  should  see  a  man  descending  from  my 
window?  " 

"  You  are  right.  Princess;  that  is  to  be  dreaded;  and  I, 
too,  have  considered  that.  I  will  not  leave  through  the  win- 
dow." 

"  Not  through  the  window?  But  in  what  other  way  would 
you " 

"  Go  away,  would  you  say?  By  yonder  door!  I  know 
perfectly  well  that  it  leads  into  the  Princess's  private  apart- 
ment, and  thence  into  the  antechamber.  Oh,  I  know  the 
Castle  Doornward  well,  for  is  it  not  the  residence  of  the 
Electress  of  the  Palatinate  and  her  fair  daughter  the  Princess? 
Therefore  I  have  had  drawn  out  for  myself  an  exact  plan  of 
it.  Moreover,  your  waiting  maid  Alice  awaits  me  in  the  ante- 
chamber. Forgive  her  for  not  having  been  able  to  withstand 
the  persuasions  of  her  compatriot,  the  magician  Ducato. 
Alice  will  permit  me  to  slip  out  of  the  castle  by  a  back  door. 
And  now,  adored  Princess  and  exalted  Electress  of  the  future, 
permit  your  most  faithful  and  devoted  servant  ere  he  depart 
once  more  to  press  your  beloved  hand  to  his  lips,  and  to  tell 
you  how  inexpressibly  happy — and,  alas!  how  inexpressibly 
wretched — it  makes  him  that  he  can  and — must  assist  in 
marrpng  the  Princess  Ludovicka  to  the  Electoral  Prince." 

With  a  bewitching  smile  the  Princess  held  out  her  hand 
to  him.  "  Count  d'Entragues,"  she  said,  "  I  shall  be  eternally 
grateful  to  you  for  your  self-sacrifice  and  good  faith.  I  shall 
esteem  myself  happy  if  some  day  I  may  find  an  opportunity 
of  proving  this  to  you.     Farewell!" 

He  pressed  a  long,  glowing  kiss  upon  her  hand.  "  Fare- 
well! "  he  said.  "When  I  see  you  again,  Princess,  I  shall 
accompany  you  to  the  altar,  and  must  witness  the  transforma- 
tion of  the  Princess  Ludovicka  into  an  Electoral  Princess  of 
Brandenburg,  and  in  my  heart  will  be  prayers,  but  also  tears! 
Farewell!  " 


98  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

He  sprang  up,  crossed  the  room  with  light,  quick  steps, 
unbolted  the  door,  and  vanished  behind  the  curtain.  The 
Princess  watched  him  until  he  had  disappeared,  and,  after  she 
had  convinced  herself  that  he  was  actually  gone,  and  had 
bolted  the  door  again,  she  took  out  the  paper  and  read  over 
its  contents  slowly  and  with  most  serious  attention. 

As  she  read,  brighter  and  brighter  became  her  face,  con- 
stantly more  radiant  the  smile  upon  her  rosy  lips.  "  Yes," 
she  cried,  after  she  had  twice  read  it  through,  "  that  will  do 
— it  shall  be  so!    To-morrow  in  the  Media  Nocte  I  will " 

A  loud  shrill  whistle  sounded.  "  He  comes!  "  whispered 
she,  "  he  comes!  " 

With  trembling  hands  she  thrust  the  paper  into  a  casket 
belonging  to  her  writing  table,  and  hurried  to  the  window  to 
open  it  and  lower  the  rope  ladder. 

At  this  moment  the  whistle  rang  forth  for  the  second 
time,  its  tones  following  one  another  in  quick  succession. 

"  It  is  he — it  is  my  beloved,"  murmured  Ludovicka,  and 
with  a  happy  smile  she  listened  out  into  the  night. 


II. — The  Electoral  Prince. 

The  Princess  had  not  long  to  wait.  The  groaning  and 
creaking  of  the  rope  ladder  already  betrayed  the  presence  of 
its  burden.  Ludovicka  leaned  farther  out  of  the  window  and 
saw  the  dark  shadow  mount  higher  and  higher;  already  she 
heard  his  breath,  and  now — oh,  now  he  was  there,  swung 
himself  in  at  the  window,  and  without  saying  a  word,  without 
seeing  anything  but  herself,  only  herself  alone,  he  fell  on 
his  knees  before  the  Princess,  flung  both  arms  round  her 
waist,  and,  looking  up  at  her  with  a  beaming  smile,  whis- 
pered, "I  thank  you,  Ludovicka,  I  thank  you!  " 

She  bent  down  to  him  with  an  expression  of  unutterable 
love,  and  their  bright  eyes  met  in  a  tender  glance.  They 
formed  a  beautiful  picture,  those  two  youthful  figures  com- 
bining in  so  lovely  a  group.     She,  bending  over  him  with  a 


THE  ELECTORAL  PRINCE.  99 

look  brimful  of  love,  he  gazing  up  at  her  with  animated,  radi- 
ant eyes.  The  full  light  of  the  wax  candles  in  the  silver 
chandelier  illuminated  his  countenance,  and  Ludovicka  looked 
down  upon  him  with  a  smile  as  blissful  as  if  she  had  now  seen 
him  for  the  first  time. 

"  You  are  handsome,"  she  whispered,  softly,  while  with 
her  white  hand  she  stroked  his  dark-brown  hair,  which  fell 
in  long  waving  curls,  hke  the  mane  of  a  lion,  over  both  power- 
ful shoulders.  "  Yes,  you  are  handsome,"  she  smilingly  re- 
peated, and  playfully  passed  her  hand  over  his  features,  over 
the  lofty,  thoughtful  brow,  the  energetic,  slightly  prominent, 
aquiline  nose,  over  the  full  glowing  lips,  which  breathed  an 
ardent  kiss  upon  the  hand  that  glided  past. 

"  Now  let  me  look  into  your  eyes  and  see  what  is  written 
in  them,"  continued  Ludovicka,  and  she  stooped  lower  over 
the  kneeling  youth,  and  looked  long  into  those  large,  dark- 
blue  eyes,  which  gazed  up  at  her,  lustrous  and  bright  as  two 
twinkling  stars. 

"Have  you  read  what  is  in  my  eyes?  "  he  asked,  after  a 
long  pause,  in  wliicli  only  their  glances  and  their  beating 
hearts  had  spoken  to  one  another.  "  Have  you  read  it,  my 
Ludovicka?  " 

With  a  charmingly  pouting  expression  she  shook  her  head. 
"  No,"  said  she  sadly,  "  I  can  not  read  it,  or  perhaps  there  is 
nothing  in  them,  or  at  least  nothing  for  me!  " 

He  jumped  up,  and,  throwing  his  arms  around  her  neck, 
leaned  his  face  close  against  hers,  flashed  his  burning  glance 
deep  into  her  eyes,  and  in  doing  so  smiled  a  blissful,  childhke 
smile. 

"  Now  read,"  he  said,  almost  imperiously — "  read  and  tell 
me  what  is  in  my  eyes!  " 

She  slowly  shook  her  head.  "  There  is  nothing  in  them," 
she  whispered.  "  But,  indeed,  how  can  I  know?  The  Elec- 
toral Prince  Frederick  William  is  so  very  learned,  and  it  is 
only  my  own  fault  that  I  can  not  read  what  is  in  his  eyes. 
It  is  written  in  Latin,  or  perhaps  in  Greek!  " 

"No,  you  mischievous,  you  cruel  one,"  cried  he  impa- 
tiently. "You  just  will  not  understand  and  read  what  is 
plainly  and  inteliigiljly  written  in  my  eyes.    ]\Iy  heart  speaks 


100  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

neither  Latin  nor  Greek,  but  German,  and  the  eyes  are  the 
lips  with  which  the  heart  speaks." 

"  Well  then,  tell  me,  Cousin  Frederick  William,  what  is 
in  your  eyes  ?  " 

"  I  will  tell  you.  Cousin  Ludovicka  Hollandine.  They 
say:  I  love  you!  I  love  you!    And  nothing  but  I  love  you!  " 

"But  whom?  To  whom  are  these  three  little  words  ad- 
dressed ?  " 

"  To  you,  you  heartless,  you  wicked  one,  to  you  are  these 
words  addressed.  But  not  little  words  are  they,  as  you  say; 
they  are  great  words,  full  of  meaning:  for  a  world,  a  whole 
human  life,  my  whole  future,  lies  in  these  three  words — I 
love  you." 

He  embraced  her  and  pressed  her  close  to  his  heart,  and 
Ludovicka  leaned  her  head  upon  his  shoulder  and  looked 
up  at  him  with  moist  and  glowing  eyes.  He  nodded  smil- 
ingly to  her,  and  then  took  her  head  between  his  two  hands 
and  gazed  long  and  rapturously  upon  her  beautiful  face. 

"  So  I  have  you  at  last,  and  hold  you,  my  golden  butter- 
fly," he  said  gentl3^  "  You  are  mine  at  last,  and  I  hold  you 
fast  by  your  transparent  wings,  so  that  you  can  not  flutter 
away  from  me  again  to  fly  up  to  the  sun,  the  flowers,  the 
trees!  0  my  butterfly!  you  pretty  creature,  made  of  ethereal 
dust  and  rainbow  splendor,  of  air  and  sunshine,  of  lightning 
flashes  and  icy  coldness,  are  you  actually  mine,  then?  May 
I  trust  you?  Think  not  I  am  only  a  poor  little  flower  on 
which  you  may  smilingly  rock  yourself  an  hour  in  the  sun- 
shine, and  enjoy  the  perfume  which  mounts  up  from  its  heart's 
blood,  and  the  love  songs  which  its  sighs  waft  to  you  in  the 
breeze!  Tell  me,  you  butterfly,  will  you  no  more  flutter  away, 
but  be  true  and  never  more  distress  and  torment  me  ?  " 

"  I  have  never  wished  to  distress  and  torment  you,  cousin." 

"And  yet  you  have  done  it,  so  often,  so  grievously!" 
cried  he,  and  his  handsome  open  countenance  grew  quickly 
dark,  while  his  eyes  flashed  with  indignation.  "  Ludovicka," 
he  continued,  "  you  have  tortured  and  tormented  me,  and 
often  when  I  have  seen  how  you  smiled  upon  others  and  ex- 
changed glances  with  them,  and  allowed  yourself  to  be  pleased 
by  their  homage,  their  devotion — often  have  I  felt  then  as  if 


THE  ELECTORAL  PRINCE.  101 

an  iron  fist  had  seized  my  heart  to  tear  it  from  my  breast, 
and  felt  as  if  I  enjoyed  this,  and  as  if  I  exulted  with  delight 
over  my  own  wrath.  Tear  out  my  foolish  heart,  you  iron  fist 
of  pain,  said  I  to  myself;  east  it  far  from  me,  this  childish 
heart,  for  then  shall  I  be  happy  and  glad,  then  shall  I  no 
longer  feel  love  but  be  freed  from  the  fearful  bondage  it 
imposes  upon  me.  How  often,  Ludovicka,  how  often  have 
I  been  ashamed  of  these  chains,  and  bitten  at  them,  as  the 
lion,  languishing  in  a  dungeon,  bites  at  his." 

"  Trulv.  fair  sir,"  cried  Ludovicka,  as  arm  in  arm  she  and 
her  beloved  moved  toward  the  divan — "  truly,  to  hear  you 
talk,  one  would  suppose  that  love  was  a  misfortune  and  a 
pain." 

"  It  is  so  indeed,"  said  he,  almost  savagely—"  yes,  love 
is  a  misfortune  and  a  pain;  for  with  love  comes  doubt,  jeal- 
ousy, and  jealousy  is  the  most  dreadful  pain.  And  then  I  have 
often  said  to  myself  as  I  wept  about  you  for  rage  and  woe  be- 
cause I  have  seen  you  more  friendly  with  others  than  with 
me — I  have  often  said  to  myself  that  it  is  unworthy  of  a 
man  to  allow  himself  to  be  subjected  by  love,  unworthy  to 
make  a  woman  the  mistress  of  his  thoughts,  of  his  desires; 
that  a  man  should  strive  for  higher  aims,  aspire  to  nobler 
things." 

"To  nobler  things?  Now  tell  me,  you  monster,  is  there 
anything  nobler  than  a  woman?  Is  there  a  higher  aim  than 
to  win  her  love?" 

"  No;  that  is  true,  there  is  nothing  higher!  "  cried  he 
passionately.  "  No  there  is  nothing  nobler.  Oh,  forgive  me, 
Ludovicka,  I  was  a  heathen,  who  denies  his  goddess,  and  finds 
fault  with  her  out  of  excess  of  feeling.  My  God!  I  have  suf- 
fered so  much  through  you  and  your  cruelty!  And  I  tell 
you  if  you  had  not  now  at  last  heard  my  petition,  at  last 
granted  me  a  rendezvous,  then " 

"  Then  you  would  have  killed  yourself,"  interrupted  she 
— "then  you  would  have  stabbed  yourself  on  the  threshold 
of  my  door,  while  you  cursed  me.  Is  not  that  what  you  would 
have  said?  " 

"No;  I  would  have  found  out  the  man  whom  you  pre- 
ferred to  me,  and  I  would  have  killed  him,  and  you  I  would 


102  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

have  despised — that  is  what  I  would  have  said.  But  no,  no, 
I  can  not  conceive  of  or  imagine  myself  despising  you — lov- 
ing you  no  more!  ]\Iy  whole  soul  is  yours,  and  my  heart 
flames  up  toward  you  as  if  it  were  one  vast  and  living  lake 
of  fire.  You  smile;  you  do  not  believe  me,  Ludovicka!  But 
I  tell  you,  if  you  do  not  believe  me,  neither  do  you  believe 
in  love  itself." 

"  I  do  not  believe  in  it,  either,  cousin;  and  you  are  quite 
right,  your  heart  is  a  lake  of  fire.  You  know,  though,  all  fires 
become  extinct?  " 

"  When  fuel  is  denied  them,  Ludovicka — not  till  then. 
They  bum  constantly,  if  supplied  with  constant  fuel." 

"  So  then,  my  Electoral  Prince,  my  heart  is  the  fuel  you 
would  require?  " 

"  Yes,  my  Princess,  I  do  require  it.  I  implore  it  of  you. 
Be  good,  Ludovicka,  torment  me  not.  Let  me  at  last  feel 
myself  blessed — let  me  put  my  arm  around  you,  and  say  and 
think,  she  is  mine!  mine  she  remains!  " 

"  Mine  she  remains!  "repeated  Ludovicka,  sighing.  "Alas! 
Frederick,  how  long  ere  you  will  no  longer  wish  that  I  were 
yours;  how  long  ere  all  the  oaths  of  your  heart  will  be  for- 
gotten and  forever  hushed?  I  have  heard  it  from  all  women 
— they  all  say  that  the  love  of  men  is  perishable;  that,  like 
a  flash  of  lightning,  it  shines  forth  with  vivid  blaze,  then 
vanishes  away." 

"  And  they  have  all  deceived  you  or  been  deceived  them- 
selves, Ludovicka.  The  love  of  men  never  expires,  unless 
forcibly  extinguished  by  women.  Be  trustful,  my  Ludovicka, 
trustful,  and  pious,  and  let  love,  holy  and  still,  ardent  and 
glowing,  penetrate  your  heart,  just  as  I  do,  without  trembling, 
without  hesitancy,  and  without  the  fear  of  men." 

"  You  love  me,  then,  love  me  truly?  "  asked  Ludovicka, 
tenderly  clinging  to  him. 

"  I  love  you  with  wrath  and  pain,  love  you  with  rapture 
and  delight,  love  you  in  spite  of  the  whole  world!  I  will 
know  nothing,  consider  nothing,  hear  nothing  of  the  folly  of 
the  wise,  of  the  irrationality  of  the  rational,  of  the  stupidity 
of  the  sage.  I  will  know  nothing  and  hear  nothing,  but  that 
I  love  you!    Just  as  you  are,  so  cruel  and  so  lovely,  so  coquet- 


THE  ELECTORAL  PRINCE.  103 

tish  and  so  innocent,  so  passionate  and  yet  so  cold.  Oh,  you 
are  an  enchantress,  who  has  changed  my  whole  being  and 
taken  possession  of  all  my  thoughts  and  all  my  feelings.  For- 
merly I  loved  my  parents,  feared  my  father,  respected  my 
friend  and  early  teacher,  the  faithful  Leuchtmar,  listened  to 
his  counsels,  followed  his  advice.  But  now  all  that  is  past — 
all  is  swallowed  up.  I  think  only  of  you,  only  know  you,  only 
hear  you." 

"  And  yet  a  day  will  come  when  I  shall  call  upon  you  in 
vain,  a  day  when  you  shall  no  longer  hear  my  voice." 

"  It  will  be  the  day  of  my  death." 

"No;  the  day  when  you  leave  this  place.  The  day  on 
which  you  return  to  your  native  land  to  become  there  a  reign- 
ing lord,  and  leave  the  poor  humbled  Princess  Ludovicka 
behind  here  deserted  and  alone." 

"  But  you  ?  Will  you  not  go  with  me  ?  "  he  asked,  in 
amazement.  "Will  not  my  country  be  yours?  And  if  I  am 
a  reigning  lord,  will  you  not  stand  as  sovereign  lady  by  my 
side?  " 

"I?"  asked  she,  bewildered.  "How  do  you  mean?  I 
do  not  understand  you." 

"  I  mean,"  he  wliispered  softly,  while  he  clasped  her  closely 
to  himself — "  I  mean  that  you  shall  accompany  me  as  my 
wife." 

"  But!  "  cried  she,  smiling,  and  \nth  an  expression  of 
radiant  joy — "  but  you  have  never  said  that  I  should  be  vour 
wife." 

"  Have  I  not  told  you  that  I  love  you?  Have  I  not  been 
repeating  to  you  for  a  year  that  I  love  you?  And  does  it  not 
naturally  follow  that  you  and  3'ou  alone  are  to  be  my  wife?  " 

"  But  they  will  not  suffer  it,  Frederick!  "  cried  she,  with 
an  expression  of  pain.  "  No,  they  will  never  suffer  you  to 
make  me  your  wife." 

"Who  will  not  suffer  it,  Ludovicka?" 

"  Your  parents  will  not  suffer  it,  and  the  great  Lord  von 
Schwarzenberg,  who  rules  your  father,  as  my  mother  has 
told  me,  and  Herr  von  Leuchtmar,  who  rules  you  and " 

"  Nobody  rules  me,"  interrupted  he  indignantly,  and  a 
flush  of  anger  or  shame  suffused  his  face.    "'  No,  nobody  rules 


104  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

me,  and  I  shall  never  be  subject  to  any  other  will  than  my 
own." 

"  So  you  say  now,  Frederick,  while  you  look  into  my  eyes, 
while  you  are  at  my  side.  But  to-morrow,  when  1  am  no 
longer  by,  when  your  tutor  shall  have  proved  with  his  cold, 
matter-of-fact  arguments  that  the  poor  Princess  Ludovicka 
is  no  fit  match  for  the  Electoral  Prince  of  Brandenburg — 
to-morrow,  when  your  tutor  will  chide  his  beloved  pupil  for 
ever  having  allowed  so  foolish  a  love  to  enter  his  heart, 
then " 

"  I  am  a  pupil  no  longer,"  interrupted  he  with  glowing 
cheek.  "  I  am  seventeen  years  old,  and  no  tutor  has  any 
more  power  over  me." 

She  seemed  not  to  have  heard  him,  and  continued  in  her 
sweet,  melancholy  voice:  "  To-morrow,  when  perhaps  an- 
other messenger  comes  to  summon  you  home,  when  he  brings 
you  a  letter  from  your  father  with  the  command  to  set  forth 
immediately,  in  which  you  are  informed  that  he  has  selected 
a  bride  for  you,  oh,  then  will  the  Electoral  Prince  Frederick 
William  be  naught  but  the  obedient  son,  who  obeys  his  father's 
commands,  who  leaves  this  country  to  seek  his  native  land, 
and  to  wed  the  bride  who  has  been  chosen  for  him  by  his 
father." 

"No!"  shouted  the  Electoral  Prince  fiercely,  while  he 
leaped  up  from  the  divan,  and  stamped  his  foot  upon  the 
ground — "  I  say  no,  and  once  more  no.  I  shall  not  do  what 
they  order.  I  shall  only  follow  my  own  will.  And  it  is  my 
will,  my  fixed,  unalterable  will,  to  make  you  my  wife,  and  this 
will  I  shall  carry  into  effect,  despite  my  father,  the  German 
Emperor,  and  the  whole  world.  Ludovicka,  I  here  offer  you 
my  hand.    Do  you  accept  it?    Will  you  be  my  wife?  " 

With  a  countenance  irradiated  by  energy,  pride,  and  love 
he  held  out  his  hand  to  her,  and  smilingly  she  laid  her  own 
small  hand  in  his. 

"  Yes,"  she  said,  "  I  will  be  your  wife.  With  pride  and 
joy  I  accept  your  beloved  hand,  and  swear  that  I  love  you, 
and  will  honor  and  obey  you  as  my  lord  and  my  beloved!  " 

He  sank  upon  his  knees  before  her,  and  kissed  the  hand 
which  rested  in  his  own.     "  Ludovicka  Hollandine,  Princess 


THE  ELECTORAL  PRINCE.  105 

of  the  Palatinate,"  he  said,  with  distinct  and  solemn  voice, 
"  I,  Frederick  William,  Electoral  Prince  of  Brandenburg,  vow 
and  swear  hereby  to  love  and  be  faithful  to  you  ever  as  your 
wedded  husband." 

"I  accept  your  oath,  and  return  it!"  she  cried  joyfully. 
"  I,  too,  swear  to  love  and  be  ever  true  to  you,  and  to  take  you 
for  my  husband.  And  here  you  have  my  betrothal  kiss,  and 
here  you  have  your  destined  bride.  Take  her,  and  love  her  a 
little,  for  she  loves  you  very  much,  and  she  will  die  of  chagrin 
if  you  forget  her!  " 

"  I  shall  never  forget  you,  Ludovicka!  "  cried  he,  tenderly 
embracing  her.  "  Storms  indeed  will  come,  violent  tempests 
will  rage  about  us,  but  I  rejoice  in  them.  For  strength  is  tried 
by  storms,  and  when  it  thunders  and  lightens  I  can  then  prove 
to  you  that  my  arm  is  strong  enough  to  protect  you,  and  that 
you  are  safe  from  all  danger  upon  my  heart." 

"  0  Frederick!  and  still,  still  would  they  separate  us.  My 
mother  just  said  to  me  yesterday,  '  Take  care  not  to  love  the 
Electoral  Prince  seriously,  for  he  can  never  be  your  husband.' 
And  when,  trembling  and  weeping,  I  asked  the  reason,  she 
at  last  replied,  '  Because  you  are  a  poor  Princess,  and  because 
the  misfortunes  of  your  house  overshadow  you  likewise.'  The 
Elector  and  his  minister  will  never  give  their  consent  to  such 
a  union,  and  the  Electoral  Prince  will  never  have  the  spirit  to 
be  disobedient  to  his  father  and  to  man-y  in  opposition  to  his 
wishes." 

She  darted  a  quick,  searching  glance  at  his  face,  and  saw 
how  he  reddened  with  indignation.  "  I  shall  prove  to  your 
mother  that  she  is  mistaken  in  me,"  he  said  vehemently.  "  I 
am  indeed  yet  young  in  years,  but  I  feel  myself  in  heart  a 
man  who  bows  to  no  strange  will,  and  is  only  obedient  to  the 
law  of  his  conscience  and  his  own  judgment.  I  love  you, 
Ludovicka,  and  I  will  marry  you !  " 

"  If  they  give  us  time,  Frederick,"  sighed  Ludovicka.  "•  If 
they  do  not  force  me  first  to  wed  some  other  man." 

"What  do  you  say?"  cried  the  Electoral  Prince,  grow- 
ing pale,  as  he  clasped  his  beloved  yet  closer  to  his  side. 
"  Could  it  be  possible  that " 

"  That  they  sell  and  barter  me  away,  just  as  they  do  other 


106  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

princesses?  Yes,  alas!  it  is  possible.  Ay,  Frederick,  more 
than  possible — it  is  certain  that  they  have  such  views.  Where- 
fore think  you,  then,  that  the  Electoral  Prince  of  Hesse  is 
here — that  he  came  yesterday  with  my  uncle,  the  Stadtholder, 
to  visit  my  mother,  and  that  he  was  even  presented  to  me  in 
my  own  apartment?  0  Frederick!  my  mother  has  told  me 
it  is  a  settled  thing — that  the  Electoral  Prince  of  Hesse  has 
come  to  marry  me.  They  have  already  made  arrangements, 
and  got  everything  in  readiness.  Day  after  to-morow  is 
to  be  the  day  for  his  formal  wooing,  and  if  you  do  not  save 
me,  if  you  know  of  no  way  of  escape,  then  in  eight  days  I 
shall  be  the  bride  of  the  Electoral  Prince  of  Hesse.  I  had 
planned,  Frederick,  to  try  you  first — to  hear  from  yourself 
whether  you  actually  loved  me,  whether  your  love  was  earnest. 
Had  I  discovered  that  you  were  only  making  sport  of  my 
heart,  had  you  not  formally  offered  me  your  hand  and  sued 
for  me  as  your  wife,  then  would  I  have  gone  silently  away, 
would  have  buried  my  love  in  the  depths  of  my  soul,  sacri- 
ficed myself  to  my  mother's  wishes  and  the  misfortune  of  my 
house,  and  become  the  wife  of  the  Electoral  Prince  of  Hesse. 
But  you  do  love  me,  you  oflier  me  your  hand,  and  now  I  confess 
my  love  openly  and  joyfully — now  I  cast  myself  in  your  arms 
and  entreat  you:  Save  me,  my  Frederick,  do  not  let  them 
tear  me  away  from  you!  Save  me  from  the  Electoral  Prince 
of  Hesse!  " 

She  flung  both  her  arms  around  him,  pressed  him  closely 
to  her,  and  looked  up  to  him  with  tenderly  beseeching  eye. 
With  passionate  warmth  the  Electoral  Prince  kissed  those 
alluring  eyes  and  lips  responding  to  his  pressure.  "  You  shall 
be  mine,  you  must  be  mine,  for  I  love  you  inexpressibly.  I 
can  not,  I  will  not  live  without  you!  " 

"  Let  us  fly,  my  beloved,"  whispered  she,  always  holding 
him  in  her  embrace.  "  Let  us  fly  before  the  wrath  of  your 
father,  before  the  courtship  of  the  Electoral  Prince  of  Hesse. 
Let  us  preserve  our  love  in  some  quiet  corner  of  the  earth; 
let  us  fly  where  no  one  can  follow  us,  where  your  father's 
will  and  his  minister's  hate  can  have  no  power — let  us 
fly!" 

"  Yes,"  said  he,  clasping  closer  in  his  arms  the  tender, 


THE  ELECTORAL   PRINCE.  107 

glowing  creature  who  clung  so  affectionately  to  him — "  yes, 
let  us  fly,  my  beloved.  They  shall  not  tear  you  from  me;  I 
will  have  you,  in  spite  of  them  all — you  shall  be  mine,  even 
though  the  whole  world  should  rise  up  in  opposition.  To- 
morrow night  let  us  make  our  escape.  You  are  right;  there 
must  be  some  quiet  corner  of  the  world  where  we  can  hide 
ourselves,  living  for  happiness,  for  love  alone,  until  it  is  per- 
mitted us  to  emerge  from  our  seclusion,  and  assume  the  sta- 
tion in  the  world  due  to  us  both.  Yes,  we  will  flee,  Ludo- 
vicka,  we  will  flee,  no  matter  where!  " 

"  Oh,  I  hope  I  know  a  place  of  refuge,  where  we  may  be 
sheltered  from  the  first  wrath  of  our  relatives,  my  Frederick. 
T  have  friends,  influential,  mighty  friends,  who  will  gladly 
furnish  us  with  an  asylum,  and  from  whom  we  may  accept 
it.  To  them  I  shall  turn — to  them  apply  for  a  retreat.  They 
will  provide  us  with  the  means  for  flight.  Only,  my  beloved," 
she  continued,  hesitating  and  with  downcast  eyes,  "  only  one 
thing  is  needful  to  enable  me  to  flee  with  you." 

"  What  is  that,  my  beloved,  tell  me?  " 

"  Frederick,  I  can  only  follow  my  husband,  only  go  with 
you  as  your  wife." 

"  Yes,  you  sweet,  lovely  girl,  you  can  only  follow  me  as 
3^our  husband.  To-morrow  night  we  make  our  escape,  and 
ere  we  escape  we  must  be  married,  and  a  priest  shall  bless 
our  love.  You  say  you  have  influential  and  powerful  friends 
here,  and  indeed  I  know  that  the  richest,  noblest  men  in  Hol- 
land vie  with  one  another  for  one  kind  glance  from  my  Lu- 
dovicka.  Oh,  not  in  vain  have  the  States  stood  godfather  for 
my  bride,  and  given  her  their  name.  Now  will  some  rich, 
powerful  citizen  of  Holland  prove  that  he,  too,  is  godfather 
to  the  lovely  Princess  Hollandine,  and  in  Java  or  Peru,  or 
perhaps  on  some  ship,  find  us  a  republic.  I  accept  it,  beloved, 
I  accept  it,  and  swear  beforehand  that  the  future  Fleeter  shall 
reward  the  rich  mynheer  and  the  whole  of  Holland  for  thft 
good  now  done  to  the  Electoral  Prince  and  his  beloved  Hol- 
landine. Speak,  therefore,  to  your  good,  rich  friends;  tell 
them  they  may  help  and  assist  us.  I  agree  to  everything,  I 
accept  everything.  I  only  want  you,  you  yourself,  for  you 
are  my  all,  my  life,  my  light!  " 


108  THE   HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

"  You  give  me  full  power,  then,  to  make  arrangements  foi 
our  flight,  my  Frederick?  " 

"  1  give  you  full  power,  my  beloved;  you  are  wiser,  more 
thoughtful  than  I  am;  besides,  you  are  not  so  strictly  guarded, 
so  encircled  by  spies  as  I  am." 

"  No;  to-morrow  I  am  still  free,"  exulted  she — "  to-mor- 
row the  Electoral  Prince  of  Hesse  has  as  yet  no  power  over 
me,  and  no  one  will  be  observing  me.  My  mother  has  been 
detained  by  sickness  at  The  Hague,  and  here  at  Doornward 
there  are  no  spies.  Yes,  I  take  charge  of  all,  beloved.  I  shall 
manage  everything,  and  to-morrow  night  I  shall  expect  you." 

"■  To-morrow  night  I  shall  come  here  to  take  you  away, 
my  beloved." 

"  No,  not  here,  for  to-morrow  my  mother  comes  home, 
and  then  the  castle  will  no  longer  be  so  soUtary  and  quiet; 
then  there  will  be  many  people  here,  and  our  movements  might 
be  watched." 

"  Well,  where  else  shall  I  find  you,  Ludovicka?  " 

She  clung  to  him,  and  gazed  tenderly  into  his  glowing 
eyes.  "  Oh,"  she  said,  "  you  do  not  know  what  I  have  ven- 
tured and  dared  for  you.  Do  you  remember  with  what  ani- 
mation and  rapture  you  spoke  to  me  recently  of  the  secret 
league  which  exists  at  The  Hague,  of  the  rare  feasts  which 
you  solemnize  there,  of  the  pleasure  and  delight  you  experi- 
ence there?  Do  you  remember  how  you  lamented  that  we 
could  not  enjoy  this  glorious  companionship  together,  that 
I  could  not  be  there  at  your  side?  Well,  see,  beloved,  now 
you  must  admit  how  much  I  love  you,  and  how  ready  I  am 
to  please  you.  I  have  in  perfect  secrecy  and  silence  had  myself 
initiated  into  the  order  of  the  Media  Nocte." 

"  You  have  done  that?  "  cried  the  Prince,  in  joyful  aston- 
ishment. "  You  belong  to  this  glorious  company  of  great 
minds,  flaming  hearts,  and  noble  souls?  Oh,  my  Ludovicka, 
I  recognize  your  love  in  this,  and  I  thank  you,  and  am  proud 
of  it  that  my  betrothed  belongs  to  the  genial,  the  intellec- 
tual, and  the  elect.  Oh,  you  are  not  merely  my  destined  bride, 
you  are  my  muse,  my  goddess,  and  in  humihty  I  bow  my  head 
before  you,  and  I  kiss  the  hem  of  your  robe,  beloved  mistress, 
chosen  one!  " 


THE  ELECTORAL  PRINCE.  109 

He  bent  his  knee  and  kissed  her  robe,  and  bowed  lower 
to  kiss  the  tiny  foot  in  its  blue  satin  shoe.  Then  he  raised 
one  of  these  pretty  feet  and  Idssed  it  again,  and  placed  it  on 
his  breast,  holding  it  fast  there  with  both  his  hands. 

"  IVIistress,"  he  w^hispered,  lifting  up  to  her  his  counte- 
nance, beaming  with  love  and  enthusiasm — "  mistress,  your 
slave  lies  before  you.  Crush  me,  let  me  be  dust  beneath  your 
feet,  if  you  do  not  love  me;  let  me  die  here,  or  swear  to  me 
that  you  will  ever  love  me,  that  to-morrow  night  you  will 
link  your  destiny  indissolubly  with  mine!  " 

"  I  will  ever  love  you,"  she  breathed  forth,  with  a  magical 
smile;  "  to-morrow  night  I  will  link  my  fate  to  yours." 

"  Give  me  a  pledge  of  your  vow,  a  sign,  a  token  of  this 
hour!  "  entreated  he,  still  holding  the  little  foot  between  his 
hands. 

"  What  sort  of  pledge  do  you  require,  beloved  of  my 
heart  ?    Ask,  command;  whatever  it  may  be,  it  shall  be  yours!  " 

With  beaming,  happy  look  he  gazed  upon  her  glowing 
countenance,  and  nodded  to  her,  and  whispered  words  full 
of  tenderness  and  love,  and  at  the  same  time  with  fondling 
hand  loosened  the  silver  buckle  which  fastened  the  blue  satin 
shoe  upon  her  foot,  drew  off  the  slipper  from  her  little  foot, 
whose  rosy  hue  was  transparent  through  the  wliite  silk  stock- 
ing, and  smilingly  thrust  it  into  the  breast  pocket  of  his 
velvet  jacket. 

"  But,  Frederick,  my  shoe — give  me  back  my  shoe,"  said 
she,  laugliing;  and  her  little  hand  and  wondrous  arm  dived 
into  his  pocket  to  recover  the  stolen  shoe.  But  the  Prince 
lield  fast  the  little  hand,  whose  warm,  soft  touch  he  felt  to 
the  deepest  recesses  of  his  heart,  and  pressed  warm,  glowing 
kisses  on  that  ravishing  arm,  which  seemed  to  quiver  and 
tremble  at  the  touch  of  his  lips. 

"  My  shoe,"  she  breathed  softly — "  give  me  my  shoe!  " 

"  Never!  "  said  he  energetically.  "  No,  I  swear  it,  so 
truly  as  I  love  you,  I  shall  never  give  back  to  you  this  prec- 
ious jewel.  Mine  it  remains,  and  not  for  all  the  treasures 
of  the  earth  do  I  give  it  back  again.  Here,  on  my  heart,  it 
shall  rest,  the  charming  little  shoe,  and  when  I  die  it  shall 
rest  beside  me  in  my  coffin." 


no  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

"  N^o,  no,  I  will  have  it  again!  "  cried  Ludovicka.  '"My 
heavens!  what  would  my  chambermaid  say,  if  to-morrow 
morning  one  of  my  shoes  had  vanished — been  spirited  away?  " 

"  Let  her  say  and  think  what  she  pleases,  dearest.  Tell 
her  you  will  direct  her  where  to  find  it  on  the  day  after  to- 
morrow. Think  you  not  that  when  our  flight  is  discovered, 
she  will  readily  guess  who  has  stolen  your  shoe?  " 

"  But  see,  Frederick,  see  my  poor  foot;  it  is  freezing, 
pining  for  its  house!  " 

And  smilingly  Ludovicka  extended  toward  the  Prince  her 
shoeless  little  foot.  He  took  it  between  his  hands  and  breathed 
on  it  with  his  glowing  breath,  and  pressed  upon  it  his  burning 
lips. 

"  Forgive  me,  you  beautiful  foot,  for  having  robbed  you 
of  your  house.  But  look  you,  dear  foot,  the  little  house  shall 
now  become  a  sacred  memento  of  my  love  and  my  betrothal; 
and  look  you,  dear  foot,  I  swear  to  you  that  you  shall  walk 
in  pleasant  paths.  I  shall  strew  flowers  for  you,  you  shall  tread 
upon  roses,  and  not  a  thorn  shall  prick  you  and  not  a  stone 
bruise  you.  That  I  swear  to  you,  you  little  foot  of  the  great 
enchantress,  and  therefore  forgive  me  my  theft!  " 

"  It  shook  its  head,  it  will  not!  "  cried  Ludovicka,  swing- 
ing her  foot  to  and  fro. 

"  It  shall  forgive,  or  I  will  punish  its  mistress!  "  cried 
the  Prince,  while  he  sprang  up,  ardently  encircling  his  be- 
loved with  his  arm.  "  Yes,  you  shall  pay  me  for  your  cruel 
foot,  and " 

All  at  once  he  became  silent,  and,  hearkening,  looked  to- 
ward the  wall.  Ludovicka  shrank  back,  and  turned  her  eye 
to  the  same  spot. 

"  Is  there  a  door  there  ?  "  whispered  he. 

"  Yes,"  she  breathed  softly,  "  a  tapestry  door  leading  to 
the  small  corridor,  and  thence  into  my  sleeping  apartment." 

"  Is  any  one  in  your  sleeping  room?  " 

"  My  little  cousin,  Louisa  of  Orange,  who  came  to-day, 

and  insisted  upon  staying  here Hush,  for  God's  sake! 

she  is  coming.     Hide  yourself!  " 

He  flew  across  the  room  and  jumped  behind  the  door 
curtain,  through  which  d'Entragues  had  gone  out  a  little 


THE  ELECTORAL   PRINCE.  HI 

while  before.  The  curtain  yet  shook  from  the  violence  of 
his  movement,  when  the  little  tapestry  door  on  the  other  side 
was  opened,  and  a  lovely  child  appeared  upon  the  threshold. 
A  long  white  nightgown,  trimmed  with  rose-colored  favors, 
concealed  the  slender  delicate  form  in  its  flowing  drapery, 
falling  from  the  neck  to  the  feet,  which,  perfectly  bare,  peeped 
forth  from  beneath  the  white  wrapper  like  two  little  rose- 
buds. Her  fair  hair  was  parted  over  the  broad,  open  brow, 
and  fell  in  long,  heavy  ringlets  on  each  side  of  the  lovely 
childish  face.  The  big  blue  eyes  looked  so  pious  and  innocent, 
and  such  a  soft,  gentle  smile  played  about  the  fresh  crimson 
lips!  In  this  whole  fair  apparition  there  was  such  a  wondrous 
magic,  so  superhuman  a  loveliness,  that  it  might  have  been 
supposed  that  an  angel  from  heaven  had  descended  and  was 
now  entering  this  apartment,  which  was  yet  aglow  with  the 
sighs  and  protestations  of  passionate  earthly  love,  and  radiant 
as  a  consecrated  altar  taper  shone  the  candle  in  the  silver 
candlestick  which  she  carried  in  her  hand.  Lightly  and  in- 
audibly  the  child  tripped  across  the  floor  to  the  Princess, 
who  had  thrown  herself  upon  the  divan,  and  assumed  the 
appearance  of  just  being  aroused  from  a  deep  slumber. 

"  Forgive  me,  dear,  beautiful  Aunt  Ludovicka,"  said  the 
little  girl,  in  a  low,  soft  voice,  wliile  she  placed  the  candle 
upon  the  table  and  leaned  over  the  Princess — "  forgive  me 
for  waking  you  up.  But  I  had  such  a  fearful  dream,  and  I 
fancied  it  was  real.  It  seemed  to  me  as  if  robbers  were  in 
the  castle.  I  heard  them  laugh  and  talk  quite  plainly,  and  I 
was  dreadfully  distressed,  and  called  you.  You  did  not  an- 
swer me,  and  then  I  thought  they  had  already  murdered  you, 
and  I  sprang  from  the  sofa  where  they  had  prepared  my 
couch,  near  to  your  bed.  You  were  not  there,  your  bed  was 
cold  and  empty,  and  still  I  heard  quite  plainly  the  loud  laugh- 
ing and  talking  of  the  robbers,  and  I  was  so  dreadfully 
anxious  and  distressed  that  I  must  see  where  you  were — ^I 
must  see  if  they  had  not  murdered  you.  I  took  the  light  and 
came  here  running,  and,  God  be  thanked!  here  is  my  dear 
Aunt  Hollandine,  and  no  robbers  have  taken  her  away  from 
me,  and  no  murderers  have  killed  her." 

With  her  slender  childish  arms  she  embraced  the  Princess, 


112  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

and  pressed  her  rosy  cheeks  tenderly  against  Ludovicka's 
glowing  face. 

"You  little  blockhead,  how  you  have  frightened  me!" 
said  Ludovicka,  repulsing  her  almost  rudely.  "  I  was  asleep 
here,  dreaming  such  sweet  dreams,  and  all  at  once  you  have 
come  and  waked  me,  you  little  night  owl.  Go,  go  to  bed, 
Louisa,  and  do  not  be  so  timid,  child.  No  robbers  and  mur- 
derers come  here,  and  in  our  castle  you  need  not  be  afraid." 

"  Ah,  Aunt  Hollandine,"  whispered  the  child,  while  she 
cast  a  frightened,  anxious  glance  around  the  room — "  ah. 
Aunt  Hollandine,  I  am  afraid  that  this  castle  is  haunted. 
It  was  either  robbers  or  evil  spirits  who  made  such  a  noise 
and  talked  and  laughed  so  loud.  And  " — she  stooped  lower 
and  quite  softly  whispered — "  and  you  may  believe  me,  dear, 
good  aunt,  it  is  haunted  here.  I  plainly  saw  the  curtain  across 
there  shake  as  I  entered.  Evil  spirits  are  abroad  to-night. 
Do  you  hear  how  it  howls  and  whistles  out  of  doors,  and  how 
the  windows  rattle?  Those  are  spirits,  and  they  have  flown 
in  here  and  laughed  and  danced.  0  aunt!  you  did  not  hear, 
but  I  did,  for  I  have  been  awake,  and  have  heard  and  seen 
how  the  door  curtain  shook,  and  there  they  lurk  now,  those 
wicked  spirits,  and  look  at  us  and  laugh.  Oh,  I  know  that, 
I  do!  My  nurse,  Trude,  told  me  all  about  it  the  other  even- 
ing, and  she  knows.  There  are  good  and  bad  spirits;  but  the 
good  spirits  make  no  noise,  and  you  would  not  know  they  were 
here.  They  come  to  you  so  quietly  and  so  gently,  and  sit  by 
your  bed  and  look  at  you,  and  their  faces  shine  like  the  moon 
and  their  eyes  like  stars,  and  their  thoughts  are  prayers  and 
their  smiles  God's  blessing.  But  evil  spirits  are  noisy  and 
boisterous,  and  laugh  and  make  an  uproar  as  they  did  to- 
night! " 

"  You  have  been  dreaming,  little  simpleton,  and  fancy 
now  that  you  really  heard  what  dull  sleep  alone  was  thrum- 
ming about  your  ears.  All  has  been  quiet  and  peaceful  here, 
and  no  evil  spirits  were  in  this  room — trust  me." 

"  Neither  were  good  spirits  here,  aunt! "  cried  the  child, 
with  tearful  voice.  "  The  door  curtain  did  move,  and  I  did 
hear  laughter — believe  me.  And,  dear  Aunt  Hollandine,  I 
beg  you  to  give  me  your  hand  and  come  with  me  into  your 


THE  ELECTORAL  PRINCE.  113 

sleeping  room,  and  please  be  kind  enough  to  your  poor  little 
Louisa  to  take  her  with  you  into  your  great  fine  bed,  and  let 
us  hug  one  another  and  pray  together  and  sleep  together;  then 
the  evil  spirits  can  not  get  to  us.    Come,  dear  aunt,  come!  " 

With  both  her  hands  she  seized  the  Princess  by  the  arm, 
and  tried  to  lift  her  from  the  divan.  But  Ludovicka  hastily 
pushed  her  away. 

"Leave  such  follies,  Louisa,  and  go  to  bed!"  she  said 
angrily.  "  Had  I  known  what  a  restless  sleeper  you  were,  I 
should  not  have  gratified  your  wish  of  staying  with  me,  but 
had  you  put  to  bed  on  the  other  side  of  the  castle  with  the 
little  princesses,  my  sisters." 

"  Aunt,"  said  the  child,  in  a  touching  tone  of  voice,  "  I 
will  be  perfectly  still  and  quiet,  I  shall  certainly  not  disturb 
you,  if  you  will  only  be  good  and  kind  enough  to  come  with 
me." 

"  No,"  said  Ludovicka,  "  no,  I  am  not  going  with  you,  for 
I  have  something  still  to  do  here.  But  if  you  are  good  and 
docile,  and  go  back  quietly  and  prettily  to  the  sleeping  room, 
and  creep  into  your  little  bed,  then  I  promise  you  to  come 
soon." 

"  Well,  then,  I  will  go,"  sighed  the  cliild,  and  dropped 
her  little  head  like  a  withered  flower.  "  Yes,  I  will  be  good, 
that  you  may  love  me.  But  please  come  soon.  Aunt  Ludovicka, 
come  soon." 

She  again  took  the  candlestick  from  the  table,  nodded  to 
the  Princess  and  tried  to  smile,  while  at  the  same  time  two 
long-restrained  tears  rolled,  like  liquid  pearls,  from  her  large 
blue  eyes  over  her  rosy  cheeks.  Softly  and  with  her  little 
head  always  bowed  down  she  crossed  the  apartment  to  the 
tapestry  door;  but,  just  as  she  was  on  the  verge  of  the  thresh- 
old, she  stopped,  turned  arovmd,  and  an  expression  of  radiant 
joy  flashed  across  her  pretty  face. 

"  Dear  aunt,"  she  cried,  "  Trude  told  me  that  when  wc 
pray  evil  spirits  must  fly  away,  and  have  no  longer  any  power, 
I  will  pray,  yes,  I  will  pray  for  you." 

And  the  child  sank  upon  her  knees.  Placing  the  candle- 
stick at  her  side,  she  folded  her  little  white  hands  upon  her 
breast,  raised  her  head  and  eyes,  and  prayed  in  a  distinct, 


114  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

earnest  voice:  "  Dear  Heavenly  Father  and  all  ye  holy  angels 
on  high,  protect  the  innocent  and  the  good!  0  God!  guide 
us  to  thee  with  the  golden  star  which  shone  upon  the  shep- 
herds in  the  field  when  they  went  out  to  seek  the  child  Christ! 
Blessed  angels,  come  down  and  keep  guard  around  our  bed, 
that  no  evil  spirits  and  bad  dreams  can  come  to  trouble  us! 
God  and  all  ye  holy  angels  on  high,  have  pity  on  the  innocent 
and  good!     Amen!  Amen!  Amen!" 

And  at  the  last  amen,  the  child  rose  from  her  knees,  again 
took  up  her  light,  and  tripped  lightly  and  smiling  out  of  the 
room. 

Ludovicka  sprang  to  the  door,  shut  it  close,  and  leaned 
against  it.  The  Electoral  Prince  stepped  forth  from  the  cur- 
tain on  the  other  side,  and  his  countenance  was  grave,  and  his 
large  eyes  were  less  fiery  and  passionate,  as  he  now  approached 
the  Princess. 

"  Poor  child,"  he  wliispered,  "  how  bitterly  distressed  she 
is!  Go  to  her,  my  precious  love,  and  pray  with  her  for  our 
happiness  and  our  love." 

"  Are  you  going  away  already,  my  Frederick?  "  she  asked 
tenderly. 

He  pointed  with  his  finger  to  the  tapestry  door.  "  She  ia 
so  distressed,  and  her  dear  little  face  was  so  sad,  it  touched  me 
to  the  heart." 

"  How  foolish  I  was,"  she  murmured  impatiently — "  how 
foolish  not  to  think  of  it,  that  the  child  might  disturb  us! 
She  has  often  before  spent  the  night  with  me,  and  never 
waked  up,  never " 

"  Never  has  she  been  disturbed,"  concluded  the  Prince, 
smiling.  "  Never  before  have  evil  spirits  chattered  and 
laughed  within  your  room,  and  roused  her  from  her  sleep.  But 
she  shall  yet  see  that  her  prayer  has  not  been  in  vain,  but 
that  it  has  exorcised  the  evil  spirits.  Farewell,  dear  one! 
Farewell,  and  this  kiss  for  good-night — this  kiss  for  my  be- 
loved promised  bride!  The  last  betrothal  kiss,  for  to-morrow 
night  you  will  be  my  wife!  God  and  all  ye  holy  angels  on 
high,  protect  the  innocent  and  good!" 

He  kissed  once  more  her  lips  and  her  dark,  perfumed  hair, 
then  hastened  with  rapid  step  across  the  apartment,  hurriedly 


THE  ELECTORAL  PRINCE.  115 

opened  the  window,  lowered  the  rope  ladder,  and  swung  him- 
self up  on  the  windowsill." 

"Farewell,  dearest,  farewell!  To-morrow  night  we  shall 
meet  again! '"  he  whispered,  kissing  the  tips  of  his  fingers 
to  her.  Then  he  seized  the  rope  ladder  with  both  hands,  and 
ere  the  Princess,  who  had  hastened  toward  him,  had  yet  found 
time  to  assist  him  and  ofl^er  her  hand  to  aid  him  in  descending, 
his  slight,  elastic  figure  had  disappeared  beneath  the  dark 
window  frame. 

Ludovicka  leaned  out  of  the  window,  and  with  all  the 
strength  of  her  delicate  Uttle  hands  held  firm  the  rope  ladder, 
which  swayed  backward  and  forward  and  sighed  and  groaned 
beneath  its  burden.  All  at  once  the  rope  ladder  stood  still, 
and  like  spirit  greetings  were  wafted  up  to  her  the  words, 
"Farewell!  farewell!" 

"  He  is  gone,"  murmured  Ludovicka,  retreating  from  the 
window — "  he  is  gone!  But  to-morrow,  to-morrow  night,  I 
shall  have  him  again.     To-morrow  night  I  shall  be  his  wife. 

0  Sir  Count  d'Entragues!  you  shall  be  forced  to  acknowl- 
edge that  the  Electoral  Prince  loves  me,  and  that  his  declara- 
tion of  love  is  synonymous  wdth  an  offer  of  marriage!    I  think 

1  have  managed  everything  exactly  as  it  was  marked  out  on 
the  paper.    Let  us  look  again." 

She  again  drew  forth  the  paper  from  the  casket  on  her 
writing  table,  and  read  it  through  attentively.  "  Yes,"  she 
murmured  as  she  read,  "  all  in  order.  Offer  of  marriage  elic- 
ited. Alarmed  by  the  threat  that  they  will  unite  me  to  the 
Prince  of  Hesse.  ISTot  betray  who  the  friends  are  w^ho  will 
render  me  their  aid.  Secret  marriage  arranged.  Time  presses. 
To-morrow  night.  All  is  in  order.  The  Media  Nocte,  too, 
confessed.  Only  one  thing  is  still  wanting.  I  only  omitted 
telling  him  that  our  rendezvous  must  be  in  the  Media  Nocte, 
and  that  we  make  our  escape  from  there.  Well,  never  mind, 
I  can  tell  him  to-morrow,  and  about  ten  o'clock  the  orange- 
colored  ribbon  may  flutter  from  my  window,  and  Count  d'En- 
tragues will  be  so  rejoiced!  Oh,  to-morrow,  to-morrow  I  shall 
be  my  handsome  Electoral  Prince's  wife!  " 

She  stretched  forth  her  arms,  as  if  she  would  embrace, 
although  he  was  invisible,  the  handsome,  beloved  youth,  whose 


116  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

kisses  yet  burned  upon  her  lips.  Her  flaming  eyes  wandered 
over  the  apartment,  as  if  she  still  hoped  to  find  there  his  fine 
and  slender  shape.  Now,  not  finding  him,  she  sighed  heavily 
and  fixed  her  eyes  upon  the  great  portrait,  which  hung  upon 
the  wall  above  the  divan.  It  was  the  half-length  likeness  of 
a  woman,  a  queen,  as  was  shown  by  the  diadem  of  pearls  sur- 
mounting her  high,  narrow  forehead,  and  behind  which  a 
crown  could  be  discerned.  A  rare  picture  it  was,  possessed 
of  magical  attractions.  The  large  blue  eyes,  so  glowing  and 
tender,  the  soft,  rounded  cheeks,  so  transparently  fair,  the 
full,  pouting  lips,  so  spealdng — all  seemed  to  promise  joy; 
and  yet  in  the  whole  expression  of  the  face  there  was  so  much 
melancholy  and  so  much  pain!  Princess  Ludovicka  walked 
softly  to  the  portrait,  and  lifted  up  to  it  her  folded  ha.nds. 
"  I,  too,  will  pray,"  she  whispered.  "  Yes,  I  will  pray  to  you, 
Mary  Stuart,  queen  of  love  and  beauty!  0  Mary!  holy  martyr, 
graciously  incline  thy  glance  toward  thy  grandchild.  Let  thy 
starry  eyes  rest  upon  me,  and  graciously  protect  me  in  the 
path  that  I  shall  tread  to-morrow,  for  it  is  the  path  of  love! 
Oh,  let  it  be  the  path  of  happiness  as  well!  Mary  Stuart,  pray 
for  me,  and  protect  me,  your  grandchild!    Amen!  " 


III. — The  Waening. 

"Your  highness  stayed  out  very  late  again  last  night," 
said  Herr  Kalkhun  von  Leuchtmar,  as  he  entered  the  sleeping 
apartment  of  the  Electoral  Prince  Frederick  William,  who  was 
still  in  bed. 

"  Yes,  it  is  true,"  replied  the  Prince,  stretching  himself  at 
his  ease,  "  I  did  come  home  very  late  last  night." 

"  The  chamberlain  has  already  waked  your  highness  three 
times,  and  your  highness  has  each  time  assured  him  that  he 
would  get  up,  but  has  each  time,  it  seems,  fallen  asleep  again." 

"  Yes,  I  did  fall  asleep  each  time,"  answered  Frederick 
William,  in  a  somewhat  irritated  tone  of  voice  ;  "  and  what 
©f  it  ?  " 


THE  WARNING.  117 

"  Why,"  said  Herr  von  Leuchtmar  pleasantly — "  why,  the 
painter  Gabriel  Nietzel,  who  arrived  yesterday,  and  to  whom 
your  highness  promised  to  give  audience  this  morning  at 
eight  o'clock,  has  been  waiting  almost  two  hours  ;  Count  von 
Berg,  on  whom  your  highness  was  to  call  at  nine  o'clock,  has 
been  expecting  you  an  hour  in  vain — the  horse  has  stood  sad- 
dled in  the  stable  for  an  hour  ;  and  the  private  secretary 
Miiller,  with  whom  your  highness  was  to  prepare  to-day  a  treat- 
ise upon  fortifications,  will  probably  make  no  progress  what- 
ever with  the  work." 

"  It  seems  that  I  am  not  to  have  the  privilege  of  sleeping  as 
long  as  I  choose,"  cried  the  Electoral  Prince,  with  a  mocking 
laugh.  "  My  house  moves  like  clockwork,  in  which  there  is 
no  comfort  or  rest  whatever,  but  where  each  must  perform  his 
prescribed  service  with  mathematical  exactness,  that  the  whole 
be  not  stopped." 

"  It  is  in  a  house  as  in  a  state,"  said  Leuchtmar  seriously: 
"  each  one,  high  and  low,  must  do  liis  duty,  else  the  whole 
macliinery  stops,  and,  as  your  highness  very  Justly  remarked, 
the  clockwork  either  stands  still  or  is  at  the  least  put  out  of 
order." 

"  Consequently,  the  clockwork  of  my  house  was  disarranged 
merely  because  I  stayed  up  two  hours  later  than  I  hare  been 
accustomed  to  do  ?  " 

"  Totally  disarranged,  your  highness." 

The  Prince  reddened  with  displeasure,  his  eyes  flashed, 
and  he  had  already  opened  his  mouth  for  an  angry  reply,  when 
he  violently  restrained  himself. 

"  I  will  get  up,"  he  said,  "  and  then  we  can  talk  more 
about  it." 

Herr  von  Leuchtmar  bowed  and  withdrew  to  the  ante- 
chamber. A  quarter  of  an  hour,  however,  had  hardly 
elapsed  before  the  chamberlain  issued  from  the  Prince's  sleep- 
ing apartment,  and  announced  to  Herr  Kalkhun  von  Leucht- 
mar, that  breakfast  was  served,  and  that  his  highness,  the 
Electoral  Prince,  awaited  the  baron's  attendance  at  this  meal 
in  his  drawing  room.  Herr  von  Leuchtmar  hastened  to  obey 
the  summons,  and  to  repair  to  the  Prince's  drawing  room. 
Frederick  William  seemed  not  at  all  conscious  of  his  entrance. 


118  THE   HEIR  TO,  THE  THRONE. 

He  sat  on  the  divan  sipping  liis  chocolate,  and  at  the  same 
time  restlessly  pla3dng  with  the  greyhound  that  lay  at  his 
feet,  looking  up  at  him  with  its  gentle,  truthful  eyes.  Herr 
von  Leuchtmar  seated  himself  opposite  the  Prince,  and  took 
his  breakfast  in  silent  reserve.  Once  the  Prince's  eye  scanned 
the  noble,  serious  countenance  of  his  former  tutor,  and  the  ex- 
pression of  perfect  repose  resting  there  seemed  to  pique  and 
irritate  him.  He  jumped  up  and  several  times  walked 
briskly  up  and  down  the  room.  Then  he  paused  before 
Leuchtmar,  who  had  likewise  risen,  and  whose  large,  dark- 
blue  eyes  were  turned  upon  the  Prince  in  gentle  sorrow. 

"  Leuchtmar,"  said  the  latter,  shortly  and  .quickly,  "  all 
is  not  between  lis  as  it  should  be." 

"  I  have  remarked  it  for  some  time  with  pain,"  replied  the 
baron  softly.     "  Your  highness  is  out  of  humor." 

"  No,  I  am  discontented!  "  cried  the  Prince;  "  and,  by 
heavens,  I  have  a  right  to  be  !  " 

"  Will  your  highness  have  the  kindness  to  tell  me  why  you 
are  discontented  ?  " 

"  Yes,  I  will  tell  you,  for  you  mnst  know  it  in  order  that 
you  may  endeavor  to  alter  it.  I  am  discontented,  Leuchtmar, 
because  you  and  Miiller  will  never  forget  that  I  have  owed 
respect  to  yon  as  my  teachers." 

"  Prince,"  said  the  baron,  lifting  his  head  a  little  higher — 
"  Prince,  have  we  two  behaved  ourselves  so  as  no  longer  to 
deserve  your  respect  ?  " 

"  Eespect,  indeed  ;  but  you  confound  respect  with  obedi- 
ence, and  wish  me  to  obey  you  unreservedly,  as  if  I  were  still 
a  boy,  subject  to  his  teachers." 

"  While  now  you  would  say  you  are  a  Prince  arrived  at 
years  of  majority,  who  no  longer  needs  a  teacher,  and  whose 
earlier  preceptors  are  now  only  his  subjects,  dependent  upon 
him." 

"  No,  I  would  not  say  that  ;  and  it  is  exceedingly  obliging 
in  you  to  carry  yonr  guardianship  so  far  as  even  to  interpret 
what  I  would  say.  Meanwhile,  you  have  made  a  remark 
which  claims  my  attention.  You  said  that  I  was  a  Prince  in 
my  majority  ?  " 

"  Certainly,  your  highness,  you  are  a  major  in  so  far  as 


THE   WARNING.  119 

the  laws  of  the  electoral  house  of  Brandenburg  allow  the 
Electoral  Prince,  in  case  of  his  father's  death,  if  he  has 
attained  his  sixteenth  year,  to  assume  the  reins  of  government, 
independent  of  governor  or  regent." 

"  Consequently,  if  my  father  were  to  die  (which  God  for- 
bid !)  I  might  administer  the  government  independently,  in 
my  own  right  ?  " 

"  Independently  and  in  your  own  right,  your  highness." 
"  Whence  comes  it  then  that  I,  who  might  undertake  the 
government  of  a  whole  country,  am  yet  perpetually  under 
restraint  in  the  conduct  of  my  own  private  life,  watched  over 
and  treated  hke  an  irresponsible  boy?  It  grieves  me,  Herr 
von  Leuchtmar,  to  be  forced  to  remind  you  that  the  time  for 
my  education  is  past,  for  I  am  not  sixteen  years  old,  but  already 
several  weeks  advanced  in  my  eighteenth  year." 

"  I  thank  your  highness  for  this  admonition,"  replied  the 
baron  quietly,  "  and  I  confess  that  without  it  I  should  not  have 
known  that  your  education  was  finished." 

"  Sir,  you  insult  me  !  So  you  still  regard  me  as  nothing 
but  a  boy  ?  " 

"  No,  your  highness,  as  a  man,  and  I  believe  that  Socrates 
was  right  when  he  said,  '  The  education  of  man  begins  in  the 
cradle  and  ends  only  in  the  grave.'  " 

"  You  know  very  well  that  he  meant  it  in  a  widely  diif  erent 
sense.  Our  talk  is  not  now  of  actual  education,  but  of  the 
relations  of  pupil  and  teacher.  The  time  of  my  pupilage  is 
past.  Sir  Baron,  and  you  will  bear  in  mind,  I  beg,  that  I  no 
longer  sit  in  the  schoolroom." 

"  That,  again,  I  did  not  know,"  said  Leuchtmar  gently, 
"  and  again  in  my  defense  I  cite  the  wise  Socrates,  who  said, 
'  Man  is  learning  his  whole  life  long,  to  confess  at  last  that  the 
only  certain  knowledge  he  has  attained  is  that  he  knows  noth- 
ing".'" 

"  Maxims  and  maxims  forever  !  "  cried  the  Prince  im- 
patiently. "  You  want  to  evade  me — you  purposely  misunder- 
stand me.  Well,  then,  candidly  speaking,  I  am  sick  and  tired 
of  being  everlastingly  found  fault  with,  watched  over,  tutored 
and  spied  upon,  and  once  for  all  I  beg  that  a  stop  be  put  to 
all  this." 


120  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

"  Will  your  highness  do  me  the  favor  to  say  who  it  is  that 
finds  fault  with,  watches  over,  tutors,  and  spies  upon  you?  " 

"'  Why,  yes — you.  Baron  Kalkhun  von  Leuchtmar,  you  and 
the  private  secretary  Miiller,  you  two  first  and  foremost  do 
those  very  things." 

"  Your  highness,  if  we  have  allowed  ourselves  to  find  fault 
with  you  when  you  did  not  deserve  it,  it  was  very  presumptu- 
ous ;  if  we  have  watched  over  you  and  tutored  yovi,  surely 
that  might  he  forgiven  in  former  tutors  and  instructors  ;  but 
if  we  have  acted  as  spies  upon  you,  then  have  we  both  degraded 
ourselves  and  become  contemptible,  and  your  highness  may 
esteem  it  as  my  last  tutoring  if  I  advise  you  to  remove  so  un- 
worthy a  couple  of  subjects  forever  from  your  presence." 

"  You  will  lead  me  ad  absurdum,  Leuchtmar!  "  cried  the 
Prince.  "  You  would  prove  to  me  that  I  am  wrong  and  accuse 
you  falsely.  But  you  are  mistaken,  sir  ;  I  only  speak  the 
truth.  One  thing  I  ask  you,  though  :  have  you  ever  looked 
upon  me  as  an  ungrateful  pupil,  a  disobedient  scholar,  an  ill- 
natured,  idle  man?  " 

"  No,  never,"  returned  Leuchtmar  cordially.  "  No,  your 
highness " 

"  Leave  off  those  tiresome  titles,"  interrupted  the  Prince. 
"  Speak  simply  and  to  the  point,  without  ceremony,  as  is  be- 
coming in  serious  moments,  when  man  stands  face  to  face  with 
man." 

"  Well  then,  no.  Y"ou  have  ever  been  only  a  source  of 
delight  to  your  teachers  and  preceptors,  and  have  ever  proved 
yourself  a  kind-hearted,  friendly,  and  condescending  young 
Prince.  You  have  (forgive  me  for  saying  so)  been  indeed  the 
model  of  a  young,  amiable,  good,  and  intellectual  Prince. 
You  have  completed  your  studies  at  the  universities  of  Arn- 
heim  and  Leyden  to  the  highest  satisfaction  of  your  professors. 
You  have  distinguished  yourself  at  the  colleges  by  diligence 
and  attention,  and  perfected  yourself  in  the  languages  and 
mastered  all  the  sciences.  Since  you  have  been  here  at  The 
Hague  you  have  won  for  yourself  the  love  and  admiration  of 
all  those  who  have  had  the  good  fortune  to  come  into  your  pres- 
ence  ^" 

"  Leuchtmar,"  interrupted  the  Prince,  with  difficulty  sup- 


THE  WARNING.  121 

pressing  a  smile — "  Leuchtmar,  now  you  are  falling  into  the 
opposite  error  ;  before  you  blamed  me  too  much,  now  you 
praise  me  too  much!  " 

"  Prince,  I  spoke  before  as  now,  only  according  to  my  in- 
most convictions,  and  you  permit  me  still  to  utter  these,  do 
you  not?  " 

"  Well,"  said  Frederick  William,  hesitating,  "  the  thing  is 
— if  your  convictions  are  too  flattering  or  too  injurious,  you 
might  moderate  them  a  little.  For  example,  the  way  you  acted 
in  my  sleeping  room,  a  little  while  ago,  was  injurious.  Just 
acknowledge  it — say  that  you  went  a  little  too  far,  that  it 
was  not  becoming  in  you  to  find  fault  with  me,  because  I  sat 
up  a  few  hours  too  late,  and  all  is  made  up." 

"Prince,"  replied  Leuchtmar,  after  a  slight  pause — 
"  Prince,  forgive  me,  but  I  can  not  say  it,  for  it  would  be  an 
untruth.  For  a  Prince,  want  of  punctuality  is  a  very  danger- 
ous and  bad  fault,  and  if  he  first  becomes  unreliable  in  his 
oiiter  being,  he  wall  be  so  soon  in  his  inner  nature  as  well. 
But  I  do  admit  that  perhaps  I  spoke  in  too  excited  a  tone  of 
voice,  and  the  reason  of  that  was,  because " 

"Well?    Be  pleased  to  finish  your  sentence.    Because " 


"  Because,  yes,  let  it  be  spoken  plainly,  because  I  know 
what  this  keeping  of  late  hours  means." 

"  And  what  does  it  mean,  if  I  may  ask  ?  " 

"  Prince,  my  dear,  beloved  Prince,  you  whom  in  the 
depths  of  my  soul  I  call  my  son.  Prince,  forgive  me  if  I  answer. 
It  means  that  you  have  fallen  into  bad  company — company 
which  it  is  beneath  your  dignity  to  keep,  company  alike  preju- 
dicial to  your  mind  and  honor  as  to  your  health." 

"  Of  what  company  do  you  dare  to  speak  so  ?  "  asked  the 
Prince,  with  wrathful  voice. 

"  Prince,  of  that  company  which  is  h^qoocritical  and  de- 
ceitful as  sin,  dazzling  and  alluring  as  a  poisonous  flower,  dan- 
gerous and  deadly  as  Scylla  and  Charybdis,  of  the  company  of 
the  Media  Nocte." 

The  Prince  laughed  aloud,  and  at  the  same  time  drew  a 
deep  breath,  as  if  he  felt  his  breast  relieved  of  an  oppressive 
burden.  "  Ah,"  he  said,  "  is  it  only  this?  The  Media  Nocte 
is  indeed  a  society  which   appears   to    all    those  who  do  not 


122  THE  HEIR  TO   THE   THRONE. 

belong  to  it  as  a  monster,  a  dragon,  which  slays  with  its  fiery 
breath  those  who  approach  it,  and  daily  requires  for  its  break- 
fast a  youth  or  a  maiden.  But  I  tell  you,  you  anxious  and 
short-sighted  fools,  you  take  an  eagle  for  a  flying  dragon,  and 
scream  fire  merely  because  you  see  a  bright  light!  The  Media 
Nocte  is  no  monster,  no  Scylla  and  Charybdis,  and  we  need  not 
on  her  account  have  our  arms  bound,  as  cunning  Ulysses  did, 
which,  by  the  way,  always  seemed  to  me  very  weak  and  woman- 
ly. A  man  must  go  to  meet  danger  with  a  bold  eye,  with  valiant 
spirit ;  he  must  confront  it  with  his  freedom  of  will  and 
strength,  and  not  seek  to  defend  himself  from  it  by  outward 
means  of  resistance.  Supposing  that  the  Media  Nocte  were 
the  dangerous  society  which  you  erroneously  imagine  it  to 
be,  need  this  be  a  grovmd  for  me  to  intrench  myself  timid- 
ly against  it  and  flee  its  touch?  No;  just  for  that  very  reason 
would  I  seek  it  out — advance  to  meet  it  with  the  determina- 
tion to  do  battle  with  it.  But  I  tell  you  that  you  are  mistaken 
in  your  premises  !  The  Media  ISTocte  is  a  society  devoted  to 
noble  pleasures,  to  pure  Joys,  to  the  liighest,  most  intellectual 
enjoyments.  All  the  arts,  all  the  sciences,  are  fostered  by  it. 
All  that  is  great  and  good,  exalted  and  beautiful,  is  hailed  there 
with  delight,  and  only  pedantry  and  stupidity  are  held  aloof. 
Truth  and  nature  are  the  two  sacred  laws  observed  in  this 
society,  and  the  noble,  pure,  free,  and  chaste  Grecian  spirit 
is  the  great  exemplar  of  all  its  members.  Therefore  they  all 
appear  in  Greek  robes,  and  all  their  banquets  are  solemnized 
in  the  Greek  style.  And  this  it  is  which  you  wise,  pedantic 
people  stigmatize  as  blameworthy  and  abominable.  The  un- 
usual fills  you  with  horror,  and  the  genial  you  call  bold  be- 
cause it  soars  above  what  is  commonplace!  " 

"  Well  do  I  know  that  your  highness  looks  upon  the  so- 
ciety in  this  way,"  replied  Leuchtmar,  regarding  with  lov- 
ing glances  the  handsome,  excited  countenance  of  the  Prince. 
*  Yes,  I  know  that  this  is  the  only  view  you  have  had  of  the 
society  of  the  Media  Nocte,  and  that  you  would  turn  from  it 
with  horror  and  disgust  if  you  were  conscious  of  the  license 
lurking  behind  its  apparent  geniality,  the  coarseness  behind 
the  unusual.  But  I  beseech  you,  Prince,  be  not  blind  with 
your  eyes  open,  close  not  voluntarily  the  avenues  to  light. 


THE  WARNING.  123 

I  swear  to  you  as  an  honest  and  a  truthful  man,  that  this 
society  is  hke  a  plague  spot  for  the  noble  youth  of  The  Hague. 
Each  one  who  touches  it  becomes  impregnated  with  its  poison, 
and  sickens  in  spirit  and  imagination,  and  the  fearful  poison 
flows  into  his  mind  and  heart,  driving  out  from  them  forever 
truth  and  freshness,  youth  and  innocence  !  Had  I  a  son 
who  belonged  to  this  society  with  full  understanding  and 
appreciation  of  its  meaning,  I  should  mourn  and  lament  him 
as  one  lost;  had  I  a  daughter,  and  had  she  even  once  volun- 
tarily attended  a  meeting  of  the  Media  I^octe  and  participated 
in  its  pleasures,  then  should  I  thrust  her  from  me  with  aver- 
sion and  disgust — should  no  longer  recognize  her  as  my  daugh- 
ter, but  forever  expel  her  from  my  house  in  shame  and  dis- 
gust, for " 

"  Desist  ! "  cried  the  Prince,  with  thundering  voice, 
springing  toward  Leuchtmar  and  grasping  Ms  shoulders 
with  both  hands.  Glaring  fiercely  upon  him,  he  repeated, 
"  Desist,  I  tell  you,  Leuchtmar,  desist,  and  recall  what  you 
have  Just  said,  for  it  is  a  libel,  a  slander  !  " 

"  No,  it  is  the  truth.  Prince  !  "  cried  Leuchtmar,  emphat- 
ically. "  The  Media  Nocte  is  a  society  of  the  honorless  and 
shameless,  and  the  woman  who  belongs  to  it  is  no  longer 
pure  ! " 

"  No  further,  man,  or  I  shall  kill  you  !  "  said  the  Prince, 
in  a  high-pitched  voice  stifled  by  rage,  wliile  his  arms  clutched 
Leuchtmar's  shoulders  yet  more  firmly.  "Only  hear  this: 
You  know  and  have  long  guessed  that  I  love  the  Princess 
Ludovicka  Hollandine.  Well,  now,  the  Princess  Ludovicka 
Hollandine  belongs  to  the  society  of  the  Media  ISTocte!  " 

"  I  knew  that,  Prince,"  said  Leuchtmar  solemnly. 

The  Prince  gave  a  scream  of  rage,  and  a  deadly  pallor 
overspread  his  cheeks.  He  still  retained  his  grasp  upon 
Leuchtmar's  shoulders,  his  flashing  eyes  penetrated  like 
dagger  points  Leuchtmar's  countenance,  and  on  his  brow 
stood  great  drops  of  sweat,  which  gave  witness  of  his  inward 
tortures. 

"  You  knew  that,"  he  said,  with  gasping  breath  and  gnash- 
ing teeth — "  you  knew  that,  and  yet  you  dare  to  speak  so,  dare 
to  vilify  the  maiden  whom  I  love,  dare  to  asperse  a  pure 
9 


124  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

angel,  to  call  her  an  outcast  !  Take  back  your  words,  man, 
if  your  life  is  dear  to  you — recall  them,  if  you  would  leave  this 
room  alive  !  '' 

"  Kill  me.  Prince,  for  I  do  not  recall  them  !  "  cried  Leucht- 
mar,  tranquilly  meeting  the  flaming  glances  of  the  Prince. 
"  No,  1  do  not  recall  them,  and  if  you  take  away  my  life,  I  shall 
give  it  up  in  your  service  and  for  your  profit.  You  see  very 
well  1  attempt  no  defense,  although  I  am  a  strong  man,  who 
knows  well  how  to  defend  his  life.  But  for  my  own  convic- 
tions and  for  you  I  die  gladly.     Kill  me  then  !  " 

"  You  do  not  recall  them?  "  shrieked  the  Prince.  "  You 
maintain  all  to  he  truth  that  you  have  said  of  the  order  of  the 
Media  Nocte?  You  knew  already  before  I  told  you  that  the 
Princess  Ludovicka  Hollandine  belongs  to  it?  " 

"  I  knew  it,  Prince,  indeed,  I  knew  it  ! " 

The  Prince  burst  into  a  wild  laugh,  and  with  a  sudden  jerk 
thrust  Leuchtmar  so  violently  from  him  that  he  reeled  back- 
ward against  the  wall. 

"  No,"  he  said  grimly  and  wrathf  ully — "  no,  I  will  not  do 
you  the  pleasure  to  kill  you,  for  that  would  turn  a  wretched 
farce  into  a  tragedy,  and  make  a  hero  of  a  comedian  !  You 
are  a  good  comedian,  and  you  have  played  your  part  well  ! 
I  can  testify  to  that.  Go  and  claim  credit  for  this  with  my 
father  and  Count  Schwarzenberg  !  " 

"  I  do  not  understand  you.  Prince.  What  does  this 
mean  ?  " 

"  It  means,  Mr.  Comedian,  it  means,  that  already  this 
morning,  while  you  supposed  I  was  sleeping,  I  have  had  an 
interview  with  Gabriel  Nietzel,  my  mother's  court  painter. 
Ah  !  now  start  back  and  be  amazed.  Yes,  Gabriel  Nietzel 
sat  by  my  bed  for  more  than  an  hour,  and  brought  me  a  verbal 
message  from  my  mother.  She  had  also  intrusted  him  with 
a  letter  for  me,  but  on  his  Journey  here  he  has  been  robbed 
and  the  letter  taken  from  him.  Oh,  I  imagine  the  robbers 
took  much  more  interest  in  the  letters  than  in  the  effects  of 
the  painter,  and  Count  Schwarzenberg  and  yourself  both  well 
know  their  contents.  But  happily  my  mother  gave  good 
Gabriel  Nietzel  a  message  to  bring  by  word  of  mouth  as  well, 
which  they  could  not  steal  from  him.  Baron  von  Leuchtmar, 


THE  WARNING.  125 

Can  you  understand  now  why  I  call  you  a  comedian,  who  has 
studied  his  part  well  ?  " 

"No,  Electoral  Prince  of  Brandenburg,  I  can  not  yet." 
"  Well,  sir,  then  I  shall  tell  you.  Your  virtuous  indigna- 
tion against  the  Media  ISTocte,  your  shameful  allegations 
against  a  Princess,  whom  I  love,  your  injurious  accusations 
and  slanders — all  that  was  nothing  more  than  a  well-studied 
role  prepared  for  you  by  my  father  and  his  minister.  Oh, 
answer  me  not,  do  not  deny  it.  I  know  what  I  say.  Yes,  I 
know  that  the  Emperor  of  Germany  deigns  to  interest  him- 
self in  the  marriage  of  the  little  Electoral  Prince  of  Branden- 
burg. I  know  that  his  condescension  goes  so  far  as  to  desire 
to  bless  me  with  the  hand  of  an  Austrian  archduchess.  I  know 
that  on  this  account  he  has  given  strict  orders  and  injunctions 
to  his  devoted  servant,  who  is  my  father's  all-powerful  minis- 
ter, that  I  shall  be  summoned  away  from  The  Hague  ;  not, 
indeed,  to  reside  at  my  father's  court,  but  to  proceed  to  the 
imperial  court.  But,  God  be  thanked,  the  walls  of  the  palace 
of  Berlin  are  not  o'er  thick,  and  my  mother  has  quick  ears 
and  Gabriel  Nietzel  is  a  trusty  messenger.  Yes,  sir,  I  know  you 
and  your  plans.  I  know,  too,  that  the  Emperor  dreads  my 
union  with  the  Princess  Ludovicka  ;  that  he  has  had  my  father 
notified  that  he  will  never  sanction  such  a  union,  and  that 
therefore  my  father  and  his  Catholic  minister  have  dispatched 
hither  messengers  and  envoys,  with  strict  orders  never  to  suffer 
a  matrimonial  alliance  with  the  Princess  Ludovicka  Holland- 
ine,  but  to  do  everything  to  prevent  it.  Everything  to  prevent 
it  !  Do  you  understand  me,  sir  ?  To  calumniate  also,  and 
accuse  and  defame.  But  all  together  you  shall  not  succeed. 
I  shall  prove  to  the  Emperor,  the  Elector  and  his  minister 
that  I  do  not  fear  their  wrath,  and  that  the  Electoral  Prince 
of  Brandenburg  will  never,  never  be  the  vassal  and  servant  of 
the  German  Emperor  ;  that  he  feels  himself  to  be  an  inde- 
pendent man,  who  claims  for  himself  freedom  of  will  and 
action,  and  who  will  only  wed  in  obedience  to  the  dictates  of 
his  own  heart  and  his  own  will.  But  you,  Leuchtmar,  I 
herewith  bid  you  farewell  !  We  part  to-day,  and  forever.  That 
we  so  part,  believe  me,  is  to  me  a  lifelong  pain,  for  never  can 
I  forget  what  I  owe  you,  and  how  faithful  you  have  otherwise 


126  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

been  to  me.  Leuchtmar,  it  is  dreadful  that  you  have  turned 
against  me.  Go,  we  have  parted!  Go!  And  when  you  get 
home  to  Berlin,  then  say  to  my  father's  Austrian  minister, 
that  I  shall  never  forgive  him  for  what  he  has  this  day  done 
to  me,  and  that  the  Elector  Frederick  William  will  avenge 
the  Electoral  Prince.  Tell  him  that  I  shall  never  accept 
an  Austrian  archduchess,  a  Catholic,  as  my  wife — never  he- 
come  the  humble  slave  of  the  Emperor  of  Germany.  This 
is  my  farewell  !  " 

And  with  flaming  countenance  and  eyes  flashing  with 
energy  and  passion,  the  Prince  crossed  the  apartment,  vio- 
lently pulled  open  the  door,  and  strode  out.  Leuchtmar 
looked  after  him  with  a  mixture  of  tenderness  and  grief. 
"  How  angry  he  was,  and  yet  how  glorious  to  look  upon!  " 
he  said  softly  to  himself.  "  A  young  hero,  who  one  day  will 
perform  his  vow.  He  will  not  bow  down  as  the  vassal  of  the 
German  Emperor  ! " 

A  side  door  was  just  now  easily  and  cautiously  opened, 
and  an  older  man  of  venerable  aspect,  in  simple  court  garb, 
timidly  entered,  looking  carefully  around,  as  if  he  dreaded 
finding  some  one  else  in  the  apartment. 

"  Baron,  for  heaven's  sake,  what  has  happened  here? " 
he  asked  anxiously.  "  The  Electoral  Prince  has  been  talk- 
ing so  loudly  and  so  angrily  that  they  heard  him  all  through 
the  house,  and  now  he  has  stormed  out  and  shouted  to  have 
his  horse  saddled.    Almighty  God  !  what  has  happened  ?  " 

Baron  Leuchtmar  laid  his  hand  upon  his  friend's  arm, 
and  nodded  kindly  to  him.  "My  dear  Mtiller,"  he  said, 
with  a  faint  smile,  "nothing  more  has  happened  than  that 
the  Electoral  Prince  has  just  dismissed  me  in  anger,  and  sent 
me  home  to  Berlin." 

"  For  pity's  sake,  what  is  that  you  say?  "  asked  the  private 
secretary,  clasping  his  trembling  hands  together  in  painful 
astonishment.  "  He  has  been  so  ungrateful  as  to  thrust  from 
him  his  best  and  truest  friend  ?  " 

"  I  tell  you  yes,  my  dear  Miiller,  he  has  done  so,  and  in 
wrath.  You  know  well  that  hastiness  of  temper  is  an  heir- 
loom of  the  Brandenburg  princes,  and  Frederick  William 
can  not  deny  that  he  has  the  family  failing.    Yes,  he  has  dis- 


THE  WARNING.  127 

missed  me  ;  but  then,  you  know,  it  was  perfectly  natural, 
for  he  loves  the  Princess  Ludovicka  Hollandine,  and  I  ven- 
tured to  criticise  her." 

"It  is  actually  true,  then,  that  he  loves  her?  He  has 
allowed  himself  to  be  enticed  by  the  siren  !  Ah  !  she  is  the 
genuine  grandchild  of  Mary  Stuart,  and  knows  how  to  charm." 

"  Hush,  Miiller,  hush  !  If  the  Electoral  Prince  hears 
that,  he  will  send  you  to  the  devil  too  ! " 

"  He  may  do  so,"  cried  the  old  gentleman  indignantly. 
"  If  he  drives  you  away,  his  tutor  and  his  best  friend,  then 
I  shall  reckon  it  an  honor  to  be  sent  away  likewise." 

"  Well,  well  my  friend,  be  not  so  desperate.  We  know 
our  dear  Electoral  Prince.  He  is  a  lion  when  angry,  a  child 
when  his  anger  is  appeased.  Let  us  wait ;  to-day  I  shall  con- 
ceal myself  from  him,  and  to-morrow,  well,  to-morrow  he  will 
call  for  me  himself.  But  did  you  not  say  that  he  had  given 
orders  for  his  horse  to  be  saddled?  " 

"  Yes,  indeed,  I  heard  it  myself  how  he  commanded  them 
in  angry  voice  to  saddle  Maurus  for  him — the  wild  hunter, 
you  know." 

"  Where  can  he  be  going  so  early  in  the  morning  ?  " 
asked  Leuehtmar  thoughtfully.  "  He  is  so  much  excited, 
and  love  of  the  Princess  will  lead  him  to  some  rash,  ill-advised 
step  ;  for  you  are  right,  friend,  she  is  a  siren  !  But  hark  ! 
Is  not  that  the  voice  of  the  Electoral  Prince  ?  " 

"  Yes,  it  is  indeed.    He  is  below  in  the  court  !  " 

The  two  men  hastened  through  the  apartment  to  one  of 
the  windows,  and,  hiding  themselves  behind  the  curtains, 
looked  cautiously  down  into  the  court.  The  Electoral  Prince 
had  just  swung  himself  into  the  saddle.  The  horse  gave  a 
loud  neigh,  as  if  recognizing  its  master,  then  reared,  but  the 
Prince  sat  firm.  His  short,  furred  mantle  was  lifted  high  by 
the  wind,  the  long  white  ostrich  plumes  nodded  above  his 
broad-brimmed,  gold-laced  hat,  beneath  which  floated  like 
a  lion's  mane  his  brown  and  curly  hair.  With  firm,  energetic 
hand  the  youth  compelled  the  animal  to  stand,  then  pressed 
his  knees  into  its  flanks,  and  swift  as  an  arrow  from  the  bow 
the  animal  flew  out  of  the  court  gate.  Both  gentlemen  stepped 
back  from  the  window. 


128  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

"  He  is  a  splendid  young  man,"  sighed  the  private  secretary 
Miiller,  shaking  his  head. 

"  Yes,"  echoed  Leuchtmar,  smiling,  "  I  find  it  very  compre- 
hensible that  the  Princess  Lndovicka  should  gladly  have  him 
as  consort.  But  we  must  not  submit  to  it,  but  do  everything 
to  prevent  it,  for  it  is  contrary  to  policy  and  reasons  of  state. 
And  I  think,  too,  such  an  union  would  not  be  for  the  Prince's 

welfare,   for    the    Princess But    hush  !    the    Electoral 

Prince  has  forbidden  me  to  speak  evil  of  her,  and  we  are  here 
in  his  room.    Let  us  keep  silence  with  regard  to  her." 

"  But  where  can  he  be  rushing  to  now — the  Electoral 
Prince,  I  mean  ?  " 

"  I  fear  that  I  can  guess.  To  her,  to  the  Princess,  and  to 
apologize  to  her  with  his  looks  for  the  injury  which  my  words 
have  done  her.  He  is  just  an  enthnsiastic  youth,  and  it  is  his 
first  love  !     Believe  me,  he  is  hurr3dng  to  her  !  " 


IV. — An  Idyl. 

Yes,  Leuchtmar  was  quite  right.  He  was  away  to  her — 
to  Ludovicka.  To  her  he  was  irresistibly  drawn  by  vehement 
desire.  Yes,  she  was  his  first  love,  and  the  magic  of  this  deli- 
cious sensation  held  his  whole  being  enthralled,  and  now  drove 
him  onward  as  on  the  wings  of  the  hurricane.  He  thought  of 
nothing  and  knew  nothing  but  that  he  must  see  her,  must 
prove  to  her  how  passionately  he  loved  her,  how  fervently  and 
devoutly  he  believed  in  her.  The  horse  dashed  on  furiously, 
breathlessly,  and  yet  it  seemed  to  the  Electoral  Prince  as  if 
an  eternity  had  elapsed  ere  he  finally  reached  Castle  Doorn- 
ward.  He  breathed  a  glad  sigh  of  relief,  threw  the  reins  to 
the  promptly  advancing  servants,  and  vaulted  from  the  horse. 
His  beaming  eyes  were  uplifted  to  his  beloved's  window,  and 
he  saluted  her  with  his  thoughts  and  his  smile.  He  thought 
she  must  feel  it,  and  his  looks  and  thoughts  must  bring  her 
to  the  window.  He  stopped  and  looked  up — ^but  Ludovicka 
did  not  appear  at  the  window  ;  only  an  orange-colored  ribbon 


AN  IDYL.  129 

was  fluttering  there  in  the  sunshine  and  the  wind,  and  Fred- 
erick "WilHam  smiled  joyfully,  for  he  took  it  as  a  token  of  good 
fortune.  Then  he  entered  the  castle,  reverentially  greeted 
by  the  lackeys,  who  ventured  not  to  oppose  him,  as  with 
rapid  bounds,  like  a  young  deer,  he  sprang  up  the  steps. 
Straight  to  the  apartments  of  the  Princess  Ludovicka  he  strode, 
through  the  antechamber  into  the  drawing  room.  But  she 
was  not  there  ;  she  came  not  to  meet  him  in  her  enchanting 
beauty,  with  that  affectionate  smile  upon  her  crimson  lips. 
No,  Ludovicka  was  not  there,  and  the  chambermaid  who 
officiously  hurried  from  the  adjoining  room  informed  the 
Prince  that  her  most  gracious  young  lady  had  already  been 
gone  an  hour  on  a  visit  to  The  Hague,  whence  she  would  not 
return  till  the  next  morning.  But  the  sharp,  cunning  eyes  of 
the  Abigail,  had  meanwhile  peered  through  the  door,  which 
the  Prince  had  left  open,  out  into  the  antechamber,  and, 
finding  that  no  one  was  there,  the  Prince  having  come  quite 
alone,  she  approached  nearer  to  him. 

"  Most  gracious  sir,"  she  whispered,  "  I  was,  however,  to 
have  gone  into  town  and  handed  something  for  the  Electoral 
Prince  to  his  valet,  to  whom  I  am  engaged." 

"  Now  it  will  be  more  convenient  for  you,  Alice,"  said  the 
Electoral  Prince  cheerfully.  "  You  need  no  third  party.  I 
am  here  myself.  Give  to  me  personally  what  you  would  have 
given  to  my  valet,  your  respected  betrothed,  for  me." 

"  Here  it  is,"  whispered  Alice,  drawing  from  the  pocket 
attached  to  her  girdle  by  a  silver  chain  a  little  note,  which, 
with  a  graceful  bow,  she  handed  to  the  Prince. 

"  And  here  is  your  reward,"  he  said,  taking  a  gold  piece 
from  Ms  purse  and  handing  it  to  her.  She  took  it,  blusliing 
with  confusion,  and  bowed  down  to  the  earth. 

"  If  it  pleases  your  grace  to  read  here,"  whispered  she, 
"  I  will  guard  the  door." 

He  shook  his  head  and  rushed  out.  No,  not  in  that  narrow, 
close  room,  not  in  the  neighborhood  of  that  tiresome  chamber- 
maid could  be  read  the  letter  of  his  beloved — that  letter 
which  he  believed,  nay,  knew,  contained  the  last  decision  for 
sealing  his  whole  future  fate.  In  the  open  air,  under  God's 
Nue  sky,  in  the  warm  and  radiant  autumn  sun,  would  he 


130  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

receive  the  message  of  his  beloved,  would  he  take  to  his  heart 
what  the  angel  of  his  life  had  to  communicate  to  him.  As 
rapidly  as  he  had  stormed  up  he  again  sprang  down  the  steps, 
and  through  the  well-known  rooms  and  corridors  took  the 
way  leading  to  the  park.  He  was  well  acquainted  with  it, 
for  he  had  often  taken  it  at  the  side  of  his  aunt,  the  unfortu- 
nate Bohemian  Queen  and  Eleetress,  who  had  found  a  refuge 
here  in  Holland  at  the  court  of  her  uncle,  the  Stadtholder 
Frederick  Henry  of  Orange,  and  had  her  little  residence  at 
Castle  Doornward.  He  had  often  walked  it  with  the  prin- 
cesses, her  daughters,  and  very  bright  and  pleasant  hours  had 
he  passed  in  that  beautiful  park  with  Princess  Ludovicka. 

On  one  of  those  squares,  in  one  of  those  shady  thickets 
where  he  had  so  often  sat  with  her  and  her  sisters,  he  would 
now  read  her  message.  With  hasty  step,  with  glowing  cheeks 
fired  by  enthusiasm,  with  head  aloft,  he  strode  on,  and  now 
entered  the  woods  near  the  path.  They  were  curtained  by 
festoons  of  wild  grapevine;  no  one  could  see  how  he  now  took 
out  the  little  note  wMch  he  had  so  long  concealed  in  his  hand, 
how  he  pressed  it  to  his  lips,  to  his  eyes,  how  he  then  unfolded 
it,  and  again,  before  reading  it,  pressed  the  beloved  characters 
to  his  Hps.  The  letter  contained  nothing  but  the  words  : 
"  The  friends  are  ready  and  willing.  To-night  about  one 
o'clock  in  the  Media  Nocte.  From  there  flight.  A  worthy 
asylum  is  waiting,  and  the  priest  stands  before  the  altar  to 
bless  the  couple." 

"  To-night  she  will  be  mine — to-night  we  shall  be  married  ! 
To-night  we  shall  make  our  escape  !  " 

He  could  think  of  nothing  but  this.  His  heart  continually 
repeated  it  with  loud  jubilation,  his  lips  murmured  it  softly 
in  response,  while,  knowing  nothing,  seeing  nothing  of  the 
outside  world,  he  sped  along  through  the  alleys  and  over  the 
squares  of  the  garden.  He  knew  not  whither  he  went,  he 
had  no  aim  ;  he  only  knew  that  to-night  he  was  to  be  indis- 
solubly  united  with  his  beloved — that  he  would  flee  with  her. 
Once  he  must  pause,  for  the  loudly  beating  heart  denied  him 
breath,  and  once,  in  the  blissful  rapture  of  his  soul,  he  must 
give  a  loud  shout  of  joy,  otherwise  his  breast  would  have 
burst.    A  merry,  musical  laugh  rang  forth  near  to  him,  and 


AN  IDYL.  131 

as  he  turned  to  the  side  whence  the  sound  had  proceeded  a 
lovely  and  pleasing  picture  met  his  astonished  gaze.  In  the 
midst  of  the  grassplot  near  which  he  was  stood  a  great  white 
cow,  one  of  those  splendid  creatures  that  are  only  seen  on 
Dutch  pastures.  A  fine-looking  maid,  dressed  in  the  national 
costume  of  the  Dutch  peasantr}^,  with  the  gold-edged  cap 
over  the  full,  luxuriant  hair  that  fell  in  long  braids  down  her 
back,  sat  on  a  stool  beside  the  cow,  and  was  busied  in  milking. 
In  melodious,  regular  cadence  the  steaming  milk  flowed  over 
her  rosy  hands  down  into  the  white  porcelain  bucket  which  she 
held  between  her  knees.  At  her  side  stood  a  little  girl,  in 
almost  the  identical  costume,  only  that  the  wide  plaited  skirt 
was  of  black  silk,  the  bodice  of  purple  velvet  trimmed  with 
gold  buttons  and  loops,  and  the  white  apron  of  finest  linen 
edged  with  point  lace.  Below  the  short  silk  skirt,  trimmed 
with  purple  velvet,  peeped  forth  blue  silk  stockings  with  red 
tops ;  shoes  with  high  red  heels,  ornamented  with  gold 
buckles,  covered  the  neat  little  feet.  It  was  altogether  quite 
the  costume  of  a  Dutch  peasant  girl,  only  the  cap  was  wanting 
on  the  head,  and  in  its  stead  the  hair,  which  fell  in  long  fair 
ringlets  over  the  child's  shoulders,  was  adorned  by  a  thick 
wreath  of  the  tendrils  of  the  wild  grape,  into  which,  in  front 
just  over  the  brow,  were  woven  two  beautiful  purple  asters. 
She  had  been  busied,  it  appeared  from  the  quantity  of  leaves 
and  flowers  she  carried  in  her  apron,  in  weaving  wreaths,  but 
now  let  the  contents  of  her  apron  fall  to  the  ground,  and  only 
kept  the  green  wreath  already  finished,  which  hung  upon  her 
arm,  while  she  sprang  laughing  over  the  grassplot. 

"  Cousin  Frederick  William,"  she  asked  merrily,  "  where 
do  you  come  from,  and  why  do  you  scream  so  fearfully  ?  " 

"  Have  I  frightened  you,  Cousin  Louisa  Henrietta? " 
he  asked,  extending  both  hands  to  her  in  greeting. 

"  Not  me,  cousin,  but  Hulda,"  she  returned,  holding  out 
her  little  hands.  "  You  must  know,  cousin,  Hulda  is  very 
scary,  and  it  comes  from  her  being  sad." 

"  Who  is  Hulda  ?    The  smart  dairymaid  there  ?  " 

"  Hey,  God  forbid,  cousin  !  How  can  you  think  that  that 
dairymaid  could  be  scared?  No,  Hulda  is  my  pretty  white 
cow,  and  she  is  sad  because  she  has  lost  her  little  calf.    I  am 


132  THE   HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

not  to  blame  for  it,  and  I  told  my  poor  Hulda  that,  too,  and 
as  she  lowed  so  piteously  I  wept  with  her  heartily  and  com- 
forted her." 

"■'  But  why  did  you  let  them  take  away  her  little  calf  ? 
Why  did  you  suffer  it?    Is  it  not  your  own  cow?  " 

"  Understand,  it  is  my  own  cow,"  replied  the  little  girl, 
seriously.  "  My  good  aunt,  the  Electress,  has  made  me  a 
present  of  it,  that  I  may  have  some  pleasure  when  I  come  here 
to  Doornward,  and  it  makes  me  feel  as  if  I  were  at  home.  For 
you  must  know,  cousin,  that  I  have  a  regular  dairy  at  The 
Hague." 

"  No,  cousin,  I  did  not  know  it,"  said  the  Electoral  Prince, 
while  he  looked  kindly  into  the  lovely,  rosy  countenance  of  the 
little  Princess  Louisa  Henrietta  of  Orange. 

"  You  do  not  know  that  ?  "  she  cried,  clapping  her  little 
hands  together  in  astonishment.  "  Yes,  I  have  a  dairy — 
three  cows,  who  belong  to  myself  alone,  and  for  which  papa 
has  had  built  a  stable  of  their  own,  which  is  very  grand  and 
splendid.  And  next  to  the  stable  is  a  room  for  the  milk  and 
butter.  0  cousin!  I  tell  you,  it  is  splendid!  The  next  time 
you  come  to  us  at  The  Hague,  send  for  me,  and  I  will  show  you 
my  cows  in  their  stable,  and  if  you  are  right  good,  you  shall 
have  a  glass  of  milk  from  my  favorite  cow." 

"  Many  thanks  !  "  cried  the  Electoral  Prince,  laughing. 
"  But  I  am  no  friend  of  warm  milk,  and  understand  nothing 
whatever  of  farming." 

"  Well,  why  should  you  ? "  said  the  Princess  gravely. 
"  You  are  a  man,  and  men  have  something  else  to  do  ;  they 
must  go  to  war  and  govern  countries.  But  women  must  under- 
stand management  and  know  how  to  keep  house." 

"  So  ?  Must  they  that  ?  "  laughed  the  Prince.  "  Common 
women,  indeed,  but  you,  Louisa,  you  are  a  Princess." 

"  But  a  Princess  of  Holland,  cousin,  and  my  mother  has 
told  me  that  the  Princesses  of  Holland  must  seek  their  greatest 
renown  in  becoming  wise  and  prudent  housewives,  and  under- 
standing farming  thoroughly,  in  order  that  all  the  rest  of  the 
women  of  Holland  may  learn  from  them.  My  mother  says 
that  a  Prince  of  Holland  should  be  the  first  servant  of  the 
Sovereign  States,  but  a  Princess  of  Holland  should  be  the  first 


AN  IDYL.  133 

housekeeper  of  the  Dutch  people,  and  the  more  skillful  she  is 
the  more  will  the  people  love  her.  And  therefore  I  shall  try 
to  be  right  skillful,  for  I  shall  be  so  glad  if  our  good  people 
would  love  me  a  little." 

"  Would  you,  indeed  ? "  asked  the  Electoral  Prince, 
quite  moved  by  the  lovely  countenance  and  the  heartfelt  tone 
of  the  little  girl.  "  Would  you  be  glad  if  the  people  loved  you  a 
little?  Well,  I  promise  you.  Cousin  Louisa  Henrietta,  they  will 
love  you,  and  whoever  shall  look  into  your  good,  truthful  eyes 
will  feel  himself  fortunate  and  glad.  Just  as  I  do  now.  Keep 
your  beautiful  eyes,  Louisa,  and  your  innocence  and  harmless- 
ness,  and  be  a  good  housewife,  then  your  people  will  love  you 
very  much.  But  tell  me,  cousin,  for  whom  is  that  wreath 
which  is  hanging  on  your  arm  ?  " 

"  For  my  beautiful  cow;  but  if  you  will  have  it  I  will  give 
it  to  you,  and— no,"  she  broke  off,  abashed  and  reddening, 
"  no,  forgive  me,  dear  Cousin  Frederick  Wilham;  I  shall  not 
give  you  a  wreath  which  I  destined  only  for  an  animal.  I 
shall  fix  it  so,"  she  cried,  with  a  lovely  smile,  "  I  shall  take  this 
wreath  to  my  Hulda.  and  to  you,  cousin,  I  shall  give  my  own 
wreath." 

She  hastily  tore  the  wreath  from  her  own  locks,  and  rais- 
ing herself  on  tiptoe  tried  with  uplifted  arm  to  place  it  on 
the  Prince's  head,  but  he  stayed  her  hand. 

"Xo,  cousin,"  he  said;  "that  must  be  done  properly. 
You  are  a  lady,  a  Princess,  and  if  you  crown  a  knight,  then 
let  him  bow  the  knee  before  you." 

And  he  bent  his  knee  before  her,  and  looked  up  at  her 
smilingly  and  joyously.  "  Crown  me.  Cousin  Louisa  Henri- 
etta," he  said,  with  ceremonial  pathos — "  crown  me  and  give 
me  a  device." 

The  httle  maiden  held  the  crown  thoughtfully  in  her  hand, 
ber  large  blue  eyes  fixed  upon  the  smiling  countenance  before 
her  Mdth  an  earnest,  meditative  expression. 

"Well,"  he  said,  "why  do  you  not  give  me  the  wreath? 
And  what  are  you  thinking  of?  " 

"  Of  a  motto,  cousin,"  she  replied  seriously;  "  for  you  told 
me  I  must  give  you  a  device.  But  I  am  only  a  silly  little  girl, 
.  and  you  must  bear  with  me.    Mother  said  yesterday  to  me  that 


134  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

the  best  motto  she  could  give  for  everyday  use  is  this,  '  Be  a 
good  woman.'  Now  I  think,  if  it  were  rightly  changed  and 
turned,  it  would  suit  you." 

And  with  charming  determination  she  pressed  the  wreath 
upon  the  Prince's  dark  locks,  and  then  laid  both  her  hands 
upon  his  head. 

"  Be  a  good  man,"  she  said,  "  yes.  Electoral  Prince  Fred- 
erick William,  be  a  good  man." 

The  smile  had  suddenly  vanished  from  the  Prince's  coun- 
tenance, and  given  place  to  a  deep  earnestness.  "  Yes,"  he 
said  solemnly,  "  I  promise  you  I  shall  be  a  good  man."  And 
just  as  he  said  this  the  cow  bellowed  aloud,  and  Princess  Louisa 
turned  her  looks  upon  her  and  nodded  pleasantly. 

"  Look  you,  cousin,"  she  said,  "  Hulda,  too,  gives  you  her 
blessing,  and  do  not  laugh  at  it,  for  God  speaks  in  all  that  live; 
the  flowers  and  beasts  etnanate  from  him  as  well  as  men.  And 
if  man  does  not  do  his  duty,  and  is  not  good  and  diligent,  then 
God  does  not  love  him,  and  the  flower  which  blooms  and  the 
cow  that  gives  milk  are  dearer  to  him,  for  they  do  their  duty. 
But  see,  the  milkmaid  is  ready,  and  now.  Cousin  Frederick 
"William,  now  I  must  go  to  the  milkroom  and  measure  the 
milk  into  the  pans,  and  I  will  tell  you,  but  nobody  else  shall 
know,  I  secretly  take  a  quart  cup  full  of  milk,  and  take  it  to 
the  calves'  stable  to  the  calf,  from  my  Hulda.  It  ought  not, 
indeed,  to  drink  milk  any  longer,  but  be  an  independent  crea- 
ture, eating  hay  and  chewing  the  cud,  but  it  will  just  feel  that 
the  milk  comes  from  its  own  mother,  and  be  glad.  Farewell, 
Cousin  Frederick  William,  I  must  be  gone." 

She  was  about  to  slip  away,  but  the  Electoral  Prince  held 
her  fast.  "  No,"  he  said,  "  not  so  cursory  shall  be  our  leave- 
taking,  my  darling  little  heavenly  flower.  Who  knows  when 
we  shall  meet  again?  " 

"  You  are  not  going  away  yet,  cousin?  "  she  asked,  strok- 
ing his  cheeks  with  both  her  little  hands.  "  Ah!  they  told 
me  that  your  father  would  by  no  means  allow  you  to  remain 
here  any  longer,  and  I  was  so  sorry  that  it  made  me  cry." 

"  Why  did  it  make  you  sorry.  Cousin  Louisa?  "  asked  the 
Electoral  Prince,  drawing  the  little  maiden  to  himself. 

She  leaned  her  little  head  upon  his  shoulder.    "  I  do  not 


AX  IDYL.  135 

know,"  she  said,  looking  at  him  with  her  great  blue  eyes.  "  I 
believe  I  love  you  so  much  because  you  are  always  so  good 
and  friendly  to  me,  and  have  often  talked  and  played  with  me, 
and  not  laughed  at  me  when  I  told  you  about  my  animals.  I 
thank  you  for  it,  my  dear,  good  cousin,  and  I  shall  love  you 
as  long  as  I  live." 

"  And  I,  my  dear,  good  cousin,  I  thank  you  for  the  motto 
which  you  have  given  me,  and  I  shall  think  of  it  and  of  you 
as  long  as  I  live.  Yes,  my  dear  child,  I  will  be  a  good  man, 
and  do  you  know,  little  Louisa,"  he  continued,  smiling, 
"  whenever  I  am  in  trouble  and  danger,  I  shall  think  of  you 
and  pray,  '  God  and  all  ye  innocent  angels  on  high,  have  pity 
on  the  innocent  and  good!     Amen! '  " 

He  pressed  a  fervent  kiss  on  the  child's  forehead,  nodded 
smilingly  to  her,  took  the  wreath  from  his  head  to  conceal  it 
in  his  bosom,  and  then  strode  away  with  light,  quick  steps. 
The  child  looked  thoughtfully  after  him  with  her  large  blue 
starry  eyes,  as  if  lost  in  thought,  until  the  slender,  athletic 
form  of  the  young  man  had  vanished  behind  the  trees.  "  How 
does  he  know  my  prayer?"  she  whispered  softly,  "and  why 
did  he  smile  as  he  repeated  it?  Ah!  surely  Cousin  Ludovicka 
has  told  him  what  a  timid  little  coward  I  was  last  night.  But 
hark!    Hulda  is  lowing.    Yes,  yes,  I  am  coming  now!  " 

And  the  little  girl  flew  across  the  grassplot,  and  flung  both 
her  arms  around  the  animal's  neck,  and  stroked  and  coaxed 
it,  calling  it  pet  names,  and  telling  it  of  its  beautiful  calf,  to 
which  she  would  forthwith  carry  some  milk.  And  the  cow 
lowed  no  more,  but  looked  with  its  big  intelligent  eyes  into 
the  child's  face. 


V. — Media  Nocte. 

"  The  gods  have  come  down  from  Olympus!  The  gods 
greet  the  earth!  They  greet  beauty!  They  greet  youth!  They 
greet  wisdom  and  the  arts!  The  gods  greet  the  earth!  Long 
live  the  gods!  Live  Venus,  the  mother  of  love!  Long  live  Mi- 
nerva, the  unapproachable  virgin,  full  of  wisdom!    Long  live 


136  THE  HEIR  TO   THE   THRONE. 

Zeus,  the  god  of  gods,  men  transformed  into  gods,  and  gods  into 
men!    Olympus  live  on  earth!  " 

So  sang  they  and  rejoiced  in  triumphant  chorus,  and  high 
above  from  the  clouds  pealed  forth  music,  and  from  thicket 
and  shrubbery  sounded  sweet  songs,  dying  away  in  gentle 
whispers.  Then  all  was  still,  for  the  gods,  who  had  traversed 
the  halls  in  dazzling  procession,  had  now  taken  their  places 
at  the  long  rose-crowned  tables.  An  Olympic  festival  was 
being  solemnized  that  evening  in  the  Media  Nocte.  Earth 
was  forsaken  now,  and  the  children  of  earth  found  themselves 
again  on  Olympus,  changed  to  gods.  Those  were  not  the 
drawing  rooms  in  which  they  had  been  wont  to  assemble, 
commingling  in  cheerful  pastimes,  in  hilarious  merriment, 
these  people  clad  in  light  Greek  robes.  ISTo,  this  was  cloud- 
capped  Olympus,  this  was  heaven  upon  earth;  rose-colored, 
luminous  clouds  encircled  the  space,  and  behind  them  the 
galleries  which  ran  round  the  hall  had  vanished.  Instead  of 
the  ceiling  usually  bounding  this  vast  room,  they,  now  looked 
up  to  the  deep  blue  sky,  and  star  after  star  twinkled  there, 
and  filled  the  apartment  with  soft  mild  light.  And  not  in  a 
hall  furnished  with  chairs  and  divans  did  they  find  them- 
selves this  evening,  but  in  a  monstrous  grotto  in  the  heart  of 
Olympus — a  grotto  of  sparkling,  glittering  mountain  crystal, 
bright  and  transparent  as  silver  gauze,  and  behind  this  a 
magical  moving  to  and  fro  of  beauteous  human  shapes,  of 
genii  and  Cupids.  Only  the  long  table  in  the  middle  of  the 
grotto  reminded  of  earth,  or  maybe  the  home  of  heathen  gods. 
For,  like  the  children  of  earth,  the  gods  on  Olympus  used  to 
carouse  and  drink,  and,  like  the  children  of  men,  did  they 
enjoy  fullness  of  food  and  luscious  wine.  Golden  goblets, 
wreathed  with  roses,  stood  before  the  silver  plates  loaded  with 
fruits  and  tempting  viands.  In  crystal  flasks  sparkled  the 
golden  wine,  in  silver  vases  the  gay-colored  flowers  exhaled 
their  sweets.  Luxurious  cushions,  soft  as  swan's  down,  span- 
gled and  silvery  as  were  the  clouds  which  stooped  from  heaven, 
lined  both  sides  of  the  long  table,  and  on  them  the  gods  and 
goddesses  had  just  sank  in  blissful  silence,  gazing  on  the  glori- 
ous place,  and  rejoicing  that  men  are  gods  and  gods  are  xnenl 
There,  on  high,  sits  Zeus  on  golden  throne,  and  Ganymede, 


MEDIA  NOCTE.  137 

the  beautiful  boy,  stands  near  and  hands  him  on  golden  dishes 
the  fragrant  ambrosia,  and  Hebe,  the  lovely,  childlike  maid, 
hovers  about,  and  presents  in  crystal  cups  the  gleaming  purple 
wine,  glistening  hke  gold.  Juno,  the  radiant  queen  of  heaven, 
sits  beside  Zeus;  and  as  if  woven  of  silvery  clouds  and  stars 
seems  the  garment  that  lightly  and  loosely  envelops  but  does 
not  hide  the  wondrous  shape.  A  light  cloud  of  silver  gauze 
covers  her  countenance,  as  that  of  all  the  other  goddesses. 

But  now,  as  all  rest  in  silence,  these  gods  and  goddesses, 
now  rises  Zeus  from  his  golden  throne  and  bows  to  both  sides, 
greeting. 

"  At  the  table  of  the  gods  must  be  enthroned  Truth,  the 
purest,  most  chaste  of  all  the  goddesses,  and  at  her  side  the 
wisest,  most  puissant  Genius,  the  Genius  of  Silence!  "  calls 
out  Zeus,  with  far-resounding  voice.  "  Do  you  admit  that, 
ye  gods  and  goddesses?  " 

"  We  admit  it!  "  call  out  all  in  exulting  chorus. 

"  You  gods,  swear  by  all  that  is  sacred  to  you  in  heaven 
and  upon  earth  that  you  Tvdll  present  this  evening  as  a  thank 
offering  in  sacrifice  to  the  Genius  of  Silence!  That  never  will 
pass  your  lips  what  your  eyes  see,  never  will  your  eyes  betray 
the  memory  that  shall  dwell  within  your  hearts!  " 

"  We  swear  it  by  all  that  is  sacred  in  heaven  and  upon 
earth!  "  cry  the  gods. 

"  Ye  goddesses  all,  ye  have  heard!  "  cries  Zeus,  the  en- 
throned. "  Now  do  homage  to  Truth,  as  she  to  the  Genius 
of  Silence!  Away  with  falsehood  and  deceit!  Away  with  your 
masks! " 

And  the  plump,  wanton  arms  of  the  goddesses  are  raised, 
and  the  rosy-fingered  hands  tear  the  silvery  veils  from  their 
heads  and  cast  them  triumphantly  behind  them,  and  trium- 
phantly the  gods  greet  the  beaming  countenances  of  the  god- 
desses, their  sparkling  eyes  and  rosy  lips,  the  haunts  of  sweet, 
seductive  smiles. 

"  Long  live  the  gods  and  goddesses  of  Olympus!  ?^o  earth- 
ly memories  cleave  to  them;  if  perchance  they  have  borne 
earthly  names,  who  knows  it,  who  remembers  it?  The  present 
only  belongs  to  the  gods — this  hour  is  one  of  precious  joy." 

Only  those  two  sitting  there  at  the  table  of  the  gods,  arm 


138  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

linked  in  arm,  only  they  remember,  for  not  alone  the  present 
but  the  future,  too,  belongs  to  them.  The  gods  and  goddesses 
call  the  two  Venus  and  Endymion,  but  they,  in  tender  whis- 
pers, call  each  other  Ludovieka  and  Frederick.  No  one  dis- 
turbs himself  about  them,  no  one  notices  the  happy  pair,  and 
they  observe  and  regard  no  one,  for  they  are  thinking  only  of 
themselves. 

"  Oh,  my  beloved,"  whispers  the  Prince,  "  how  stale  and 
insipid  seems  this  fantastic  feast  to  me  to-night!  Once  it 
would  have  charmed  me,  and  would  have  been  to  me  as  em- 
bodied poesy.  But  to-night  it  leaves  me  cold  and  empty,  and 
I  feel  that  the  true  and  real  contain  in  themselves  the  highest 
poeti^." 

"  You  are  indeed  right,  my  Endymion,"  says  she  softly — 
"you  are  indeed  right:  love  is  the  highest  poetry,  and  he 
who  possesses  the  true  and  real  needs  not  the  fantastic  sem- 
blance. Still,  this  is  a  feast  of  gods;  therefore  let  us  enjoy 
it  with  glad  hearts  and  swelling  joy.  For  is  it  not  our  wed- 
ding feast,  and  are  not  all  these  gods  and  goddesses  unwit- 
tingly solemnizing  the  hyme-^eal  of  our  love?  Eejoice  then, 
my  darling,  rejoice  and  sing  with  the  convivial,  open  your 
heart  to  the  ravishing  hour,  drink  into  thy  soul  the  delight 
and  rapture  of  the  gods!  " 

A  shadow  stole  over  Endymion's  high,  clear  brow,  and  he 
gently  shook  his  head.  "  I  love  you  so  deeply  and  truly  that 
I  can  not  be  merry  in  this  hour."  he  said  thoughtfully;  "  and 
this  wild  tumult  and  this  uproarious  joy  seem  not  to  me  like 
a  glorification  of  our  love,  but  rather  its  profanation.  x\h! 
my  dear  love,  would  that  I  were  alone  with  you  in  the  open  air, 
beneath  the  broad  high  arch  of  heaven,  instead  of  here  be- 
neath this  artificial  one;  would  that  we  sat  hand  in  hand  in 
one  of  those  quiet  shady  spots  in  your  park,  where  I  could  pour 
into  your  ear  the  holy  secrets  of  my  heart  and  tell  you  sweet 
stories  of  our  love,  and  you  should  listen  to  me  with  tranquil, 
reverent  heart,  and  you  and  I  would  solemnize  together  a 
glorious  feast  divine,  more  glorious  than  this  mad  joy  can 
furnish  us!  He  who  is  happy  flees  noisy  pleasures,  and  he 
who  loves  ardently  and  truthfully  longs  for  quiet  and  soli- 
tude, to  meditate  upon  his  love." 


MEDIA  NOCTE.  139 

"  We  shall  he  solitary  and  alone^  my  Frederick,  when  we 
belong  to  one  another — when  nothing  more  can  separate  us, 
when  we  shall  no  more  have  to  meet  under  the  veil  of  secrecy, 
no  more  have  to  conceal  the  fair,  divine  reality  under  bor- 
rowed tinsel!     You  know,  love,  to-night  we  flee." 

"  God  be  praised!  to-night  will  make  you  forever  mine, 
and  nothing  then  can  separate  us  but  death  alone!  " 

"  Speak  not  of  death  while  life  encircles  us  with  all  its 
charms!  Be  cheerful,  my  beloved — be  happy,  my  Endymion. 
"We  celebrate  the  godly  feast  of  love,  and  yet  is  it  only  the 
foretaste  of  our  bliss.  Yield  yourself  to  the  delights  of  the 
moment,  drink  from  the  golden  goblet  of  joy,  my  Endymion!  " 

"  Yes,  I  will  drink,  drink,  for  Venus  drinks  with  me." 

"  She  hands  you,  Endymion,  the  flower-crowned  goblet! 
Drink!  drink!  drink!  Enjoy  the  moment!  Taste  the  pleas- 
ures of  this  hour!  But  think  of  the  coming  hour  which  is  to 
consummate  our  bliss!  " 

"When  will  it  be,  beloved?  And  where  shall  I  meet 
you?" 

"  When  all  is  bustle  and  stir  and  singing,  then  let  my  En- 
dymion descend  from  Olympus  and  repair  to  the  grotto  of 
rocks  close  by.  To  the  left  of  the  entrance  he  will  find  a  cav- 
ern. Let  him  go  in  and  there  find  his  white  garments;  put 
them  on  and  wait.    All  the  rest  follows  of  itself." 

"  And  you,  my  heart — will  you,  too,  follow  of  yourself?  " 

"  Follow  of  myself  and  fetch  Endymion!  " 

Music  sent  forth  sweet  strains,  and  from  the  rosy  clouds 
the  chorus  of  Cupids  greeted  the  gods  with  songs  of  rejoicing. 
After  the  singing  the  Muses  entered,  winding  round  the  table, 
quoting  far-famed  songs  and  praising  the  arts,  which  they 
protected.  And  suddenly  the  starry  sky  above  became  ob- 
scure, and  twilight  reigned.  Only  behind  the  crystalline  walls 
it  shone  bright  and  ever  brighter,  and  in  sunshine  splendor 
emerged  the  antique  marble  statues  of  the  gods,  and  walked 
and  moved,  endowed  with  flesh  and  growing  life.  Music  re- 
sounded and  bands  of  Cupids  sang;  again  the  hall  was  lighted 
up,  the  tables  at  which  the  gods  had  reclined  vanished,  gen- 
iuses hovered  about,  strewing  the  ground  with  fragrant  flow- 
ers, and  in  glad  confusion  mingled  gods  and  goddesses,  heroes 
iO 


140  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

and  demigods,  with  sparkling  eyes  and  beating  hearts.  They 
poetized  and  sang,  praised  the  gods,  and  laughed  and  shouted, 
"  Long  live  the  Media  Nocte!  Long  live  those  great  minds 
and  noble  hearts  which  belong  to  it! "  And  all  was  bustle, 
stir,  and  song! 

Endymion  forsook  Olympus,  entered  the  nearest  grotto 
amid  the  rocks,  and  slipped  into  the  little  cavern  to  the  left. 
Venus  was  still  in  the  hall.  To  her  came  Hercules  and  softly 
whispered,  "  All  is  ready!  " 

"But  where?  Tell  me,  where?  It  seems  to  me  like  a 
dream!  You  see  how  I  trust  you,  for  without  question  have  I 
done  everything  just  as  the  paper  directed.  Here  I  am,  in  the 
Media  Nocte,  and  know  not  at  all  what  remains  to  be  done!  " 

"  The  marriage  ceremony  and  flight,  fair  Venus!  Listen, 
however,  to  this  one  thing!  In  close  proximity  to  this  house, 
as  you  well  know,  stands  the  hotel  of  the  French  embassy. 
Well,  gracious  lady,  walls  can  be  leveled,  and  my  enchanter 
Ducato  can  turn  them  into  doors!  Eepair  to  the  grotto  hall 
and  the  cavern  on  the  right.  There  will  Venus  be  transformed 
into  the  Princess  Ludovicka,  and  still  be  Venus!  Then  cross 
over  to  the  cavern  on  the  left,  where,  instead  of  Endymion, 
waits  the  Electoral  Prince.  She  gives  him  her  hand!  My 
enchanter  Ducato  sees  it,  and  all  the  rest  takes  care  of  itself. 
Only  follow  the  god  within  your  own  breast!  Only  one  thing 
more.  Princess!  Be  Venus  to  him,  and  ravish  his  heart  and 
soul,  that  he  may  not  delay  to  sign  the  contract  and  inquire 
into  its  contents." 

"  Be  not  uneasy,"  smiles  Venus  proudly;  "  he  will  sign 
anything  to  be  able  to  call  me  his." 

Louder  resound  the  peals  of  music,  and  all  the  gods  sing 
and  laugh  and  jest  and  shout.  And  the  Bacchantes  swing 
to  and  fro  their  ivy-wreathed  staves,  and  their  mouths  with 
ecstasy  pour  forth  their  stammering  songs  of  mirth!  Venus 
has  soared  away!  But  no  one  observes  it.  Each  is  his  own 
deity,  here  in  the  Media  Nocte.  Oh,  blessed  night  of  the  gods! 
Forget  that  the  wretched  day  of  man  will  return  in  the  morn- 
ing! Louder  resound  the  strains  of  music,  and  all  is  bustle, 
stir,  and  song  there  in  Olympus! 

From  the  cavern  on  the  right  steps  forth  the  Princess  Ludo- 


MEDIA   NOCTE.  141 

vicka  in  white  satin  robe,  a  myrtle  wreath  twined  in  her  hair, 
and  behind  her  sweeps  her  veil  like  a  silver  cloud.  Venus! 
Venus  ever!  full  of  sweet  enchantment! 

She  goes  to  the  cavern  on  the  left,  and  gently  knocks.  The 
door  springs  open,  and  she  enters.  It  is  bright  within,  and  the 
Electoral  Prince,  in  gold-embroidered  suit,  comes  to  meet  her 
with  beaming  eyes,  looks  upon  her  radiant  with  happiness, 
and  sinks  down  at  her  feet.  Endymion!  Endymion  ever! 
Enchained  by  sweet  magic!  A  door  flies  open;  nobody  has 
opened  it,  but  there  it  is.  The  Electoral  Prince  jumps  up 
and  offers  the  Princess  his  hand.  Neither  of  the  two  speaks, 
for  their  hearts  are  beating  overloud.  The  merry  music  and 
uproarious  shouts  of  the  gods  on  Olympus  penetrate  to  them 
even  in  the  stillness  of  the  cave,  but  through  the  open  door 
other  sounds  steal  near.  Solemn,  long-drawn  organ  peals  are 
heard,  uniting  in  the  melody  of  a  pious  choral.  How  strange- 
ly blended  within  that  narrow  space  those  exultant  songs 
and  those  organ  tones!  The  young  lovers  hear  only  the 
notes  of  the  organ,  and  hand  in  hand  move  toward  the 
sound. 

A  small  pleasure  boat  receives  them,  flowers  and  myrtle 
trees  line  the  banks,  and  inviting  and  alluring  the  organ  calls 
them.  Light  glimmers  at  the  end  of  the  passage,  and  the 
lovers  go  toward  it.  They  enter  a  large  wide  room!  Solemn 
silence  reigns  here.  At  the  farther  end  is  a  small  altar.  On 
it  burn  tall  wax  tapers,  and  before  it,  in  full  canonicals,  stands 
the  priest,  prayer  book  in  hand.  At  his  sides  are  two  gentle- 
men in  simple,  somber  dress. 

Farther  forward,  nearer  the  center  of  the  hall,  is  a  table 
hung  with  green,  on  which  lie  several  papers  and  implements 
of  writing,  and  near  it  is  a  notary  in  his  official  garb,  again 
attended  by  several  men.  To  all  this  Prince  Frederick  Wil- 
liam gives  but  one  brief  glance,  then  turns  his  eyes  once  more 
upon  his  beloved,  standing  at  his  side,  radiant  in  beauty  and 
enticingly  sweet.  The  jubilant  songs  of  Olympus  yet  ring  in 
tlieir  ears,  the  images  of  the  gods  yet  flame  and  flaunt  before 
their  eyes. 

"  How  beautifiil  you  are,  beloved  Ludovicka!  My  Elec- 
toral Princess!  come,  let  us  go  to  the  altar!     Oh,  your  good, 


142  THE   HEIR  TO   THE   THRONE. 

kind  friends!  How  I  thank  them!  How  well  they  have 
arranged  everything!  Come!  You  see,  the  priest  is  wait- 
ing!" 

"Not  yet,  heloved!  For  you  see  before  the  priest  stands 
the  notary,  and  my  good  friends  will  have  us  go  through  all 
the  formalities  of  legal  marriage.  Before  we  are  married  we 
must  sign  the  contract!  " 

"  The  contract  of  love  is  written  in  our  hearts  alone.  What 
need  for  the  intervention  of  signatures  on  paper?  And  how 
can  strangers  know  what  we  alone  can  settle  with  one  another? 
I  swear  unswerving  love  and  fidelity  to  my  Electoral  Princess, 
and  that  requires  no  written  confirmation.  Come  to  the  altar, 
dearest! " 

He  endeavors  to  draw  her  forward,  but  Ludovicka  flings 
her  arm  about  his  neck  and  holds  him  back.  Beloved,"  she 
whispers,  "  the  contract  which  we  sign  concerns  not  us,  but 
the  benevolent,  mighty  friends,  who  have  lent  us  their  aid, 
and  will  help  us  still  further.  Ah!  without  these  noble  friends 
our  flight  would  have  been  wholly  impossible,  and  we  would 
have  been  separated  for  ever!  To-morrow  I  would  have  been 
the  bride  of  the  Prince  of  Hesse,  and  your  father  would  al- 
ready have  found  means  to  compel  your  return  home.  Ah! 
beloved,  they  would  have  separated  us,  if  our  noble  friends 
had  not  helped  us.  They  have  prepared  everything,  cared 
for  everything.  As  soon  as  we  are  married,  we  shall  Journey 
away  to  our  safe  asylum,  and  there,  under  the  protection  of 
friends,  be  sheltered  and  secure.  For  such  love  and  devotion 
we  must  be  grateful,  must  we  not?  " 

"  Certainly,  that  we  must,  and  shall  be  gladly,  beloved 
of  my  heart!  Let  them  say  how  we  can  prove  our  gratitude, 
and  certainly  it  shall  be  done!  " 

"  They  have  said  it,  and  written  it  down  in  the  contract. 
Come,  dearest,  we  will  sign  it,  and  then  to  the  altar." 

She  throws  her  arm  around  his  neck,  she  draws  him  to 
the  table  where  stands  the  notary  with  his  witnesses.  She 
hands  him  the  pen  and  looks  at  him  with  a  sweet  smile. 

Venus!    Venus  ever! 

But  he?  He  is  no  longer  Endymion!  He  is  the  Electoral 
Prince  Frederick  William!     And  strange!  like  a  dream,  like 


MEDIA  NOCTE  I43 

a  greeting  from  afar,  comes  stealing  to  his  ears,  "  Be  a  good 
man." 

"  Take  the  pen  and  sign!  "  whispers  Venus,  with  glowing 
looks  of  love. 

He  lays  down  the  pen.  "  I  must  know  what  I  sign.  Eead 
it,  Sir  Notary!  " 

The  notary  bows  low  and  reads:  "  In  friendship  and  devo- 
tion to  the  Electoral  Prince  Frederick  William  of  Branden- 
burg and  his  spouse,  born  Princess  Ludovicka  Hollandine  of 
the  Palatinate,  we  grant  them  an  undisturbed  asylum  in  our 
territories,  promise  to  protect  and  defend  them  with  all  our 
power,  to  grant  them,  besides,  maintenance  and  support,  pay- 
ing to  the  Electoral  Prince  of  Brandenburg  yearly  subsidies 
of  three  hundred  thousand  livres,  until  he  assumes  the  reins 
of  government.  On  his  side,  the  Electoral  Prince  of  Bran- 
denburg pledges  himself,  so  soon  as  he  begins  to  rule  in  his 
own  right,  to  conclude  a  league  with  us  for  twenty  years,  and 
never  to  unite  with  our  enemies  against  us,  but  to  be  true  to 
us  in  good  as  also  in  evil  days.  Both  parties  confirm  this  by 
their  signatures.  Count  d'Entragues  has  signed  in  the  name 
of  France." 

"France!"  cried  the  Electoral  Prince,  with  loudly  ring- 
ing voice.     "France  is  the  friend  who  will  lend  us  aid?" 

"  Yes,  Prince,  France  it  is,"  said  Count  d'Entragues,  ap- 
proaching the  Prince  and  bowing  low  before  him.  "  France 
through  me  offers  to  the  noble  Electoral  Prince  of  Branden- 
burg protection  and  an  asylum,  pays  him  rich  subsidies,  and 
in  return  requires  nothing  but  his  alliance,  and,  above  all 
things,  his  friendship.  I  am  happy  to  offer  the  friendship 
and  good  offices  of  King  Louis  XIII  and  Cardinal  EicheHeu 
to  the  Electoral  Prince  of  Brandenburg  and  his  spouse,  and 
to  be  permitted  to  witness  the  ceremony  of  their  marriage." 

"  Come,  my  beloved,  sign,"  whispered  Ludovicka,  with 
pleading  voice. 

But  he  thrust  back  the  pen,  and  looked  at  the  Princess 
with  flaming  eyes.  "  Did  you  know.  Princess,  that  it  was 
France  who  was  to  assist  us?" 

"  Certainly  I  knew  it,"  replied  she,  with  feigned  astonish- 
ment.   "  Count  d'Entragues  himself  offered  me  the  assistance 


144  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

of  Franco,  and  you  gave  me  full  powers  to  conclude  all  ar- 
rangements." 

"  It  is  true,  so  I  did,"  murmured  the  Prince.  "  I  thought 
you  had  reference  to  a  private  person,  to  one  of  those  rich 
mynheers  whom  I  have  met  at  your  house.  I  told  you  so. 
Princess,  and  you  did  not  contradict  me.  You  left  me  under 
the  impression  that  it  was  a  merchant  of  Holland  who  was 
offering  his  help  and  protection.  From  a  private  citizen  I 
could  have  accepted  aid,  for  that  pledged  the  man,  not  the 
Prince.  But  from  France  I  can  accept  no  favors,  for  by  such 
would  be  pledged  and  bound  the  Prince,  the  future  ruler  of 
his  land,  so  that  he  could  not  act  freely  according  to  his  judg- 
ment and  the  requirements  of  the  case,  but  be  subjected  to 
restraint.    Sir  Count  d'Entragues,  I  shall  not  sign." 

The  Princess  uttered  a  shriek  and  threw  both  her  arms 
round  him. 

"  If  you  are  serious  in  that,  beloved,  then  are  we  lost,  for 
who  will  help  us  if  France  will  not  ?  " 

"  God  and  ourselves,  Ludovicka!  " 

"  God  listens  not  to  our  entreaties,  and  we  are  too  weak 
to  help  ourselves.  Oh,  my  beloved,  prove  now  that  you  love 
me — that  your  vows  are  true.  I  am  lost  to  you  and  you  to 
me  if  we  do  not  escape  to-night — lost  if  we  accept  not  France's 
aid.  Look,  here  is  the  sheet  of  paper;  our  whole  future  lies 
on  it.  I  offer  it  to  you,  beloved,  and  with  it  my  life,  my  love, 
my  happiness.    Will  you  scorn  me  ?  " 

She  held  out  to  him  both  her  trembling  hands,  and  looked 
at  him  with  glances  of  entreaty.  He  returned  the  look,  and 
a  deadly  paleness  overspread  his  face.  He  took  the  sheet  of 
paper  from  her  hands — she  opened  her  mouth  for  a  cry  of 
joy — then  a  shrill,  rasping  sound — he  had  torn  the  paper  in 
two,  and  both  pieces  fell  slowly  to  the  ground. 

"  That  is  my  answer,  so  help  me  God!  I  can  do  no  other- 
wise." 

A  cry  sounded  from  Ludovicka's  lips,  but  it  was  a  cry 
of  horror.  She  reeled  back,  as  if  a  fearful  blow  had  struck 
her,  and  stared  at  the  Prince  with  wide-open  eyes. 

"You  reject  me  with  disdain?"  she  asked  in  a  toneless 
voice.    "  You  will  Tiot  flee  with  me  ?  " 


I 


MEDIA  NOCTE.  145 

He  rushed  toward  her,  cast  himself  upon  his  knees  before 
her,  kissing  her  dress  and  hands  with  passionate  ardor. 

"Forgive  me,  Ludovicka,  forgive  me!  I  can  not  act  dif- 
ferently. I  can  not  be  a  traitor  to  my  country,  to  my  father, 
to  Germany.  I  can  not  listen  to  my  heart,  with  regard  to  my 
future,  for  my  future  belongs  to  my  people,  my  native  land, 
not  to  myself  alone.  Go  home,  beloved;  be  steadfast  and 
courageous,  as  I  shall  be,  and  then  we  shall  conquer  destiny 
itself  and  win  victory  for  our  love." 

"  Stand  up.  Electoral  Prince  of  Brandenburg!  "  she  cried 
imperiously,  and  with  angry  glance.  "  Now  answer  me,  will 
you  accept  the  help  of  France,  and  flee  with  me?  " 

He  turned  away  from  her  with  a  deep  sigh.  "  No,  I  shall 
not  accept  the  help  of  France." 

"  Count  d'Entragues,"  said  the  Princess,  with  shrill,  quiv- 
ering voice,  "  you  are  a  gentleman;  I  place  myself  under  your 
protection.  You  will  immediately  conduct  me  to  Doorn- 
ward." 

The  count  hastened  to  her  and  offered  her  his  hand.  She 
accepted  it,  and  he  led  her  slowly  through  the  vast  hall  to 
one  of  the  doors  of  entrance. 

The  Electoral  Prince  looked  after  her  with  distorted  fea- 
tures and  burning  eyes.  Once  he  made  a  movement  as  if  to 
rush  after  her,  but  by  a  mighty  effort  he  kept  his  place.  Ar- 
rived at  the  door,  she  paused  and  turned  upon  him  an  earnest, 
questioning  glance;  he  cast  down  his  eyes  before  it.  Count 
d'Entragues  opened  the  door — a  breathless  pause  ensued — 
then  the  door  closed  behind  her. 

The  Electoral  Prince  placed  his  trembling  hand  upon  his 
heart,  and  two  tears  rolled  from  his  eyes.  Violently  he  shook 
them  away,  and  turned  his  head  to  the  notary. 

"  Sir,"  he  said,  in  a  firm  voice — "  sir,  I  beg  you  to  show 
me  the  way  out.    I  would  go  to  my  palace," 


i4:6  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 


VI. — The  Hardest  Victory. 

The  Electoral  Prince  had  returned  home,  but  he  did  not 
sleep  the  whole  night  through.  The  chamberlain,  whose  room 
adjoined  the  Prince's  sleeping  apartment,  had  heard  him  rest- 
lessly pacing  the  floor  all  night  long,  at  times  talking  to  him- 
self half  aloud,  and  then  even  weeping  and  lamenting.  In 
his  anguish  of  heart  he  had  wakened  Baron  Leuchtmar  and 
the  private  secretary  Miiller,  in  order  to  impart  to  them  the 
melancholy  news.  Both  gentlemen  had  immediately  risen 
and  dressed  themselves,  and  softly  approached  the  door  of 
the  princely  chamber.  They,  too,  had  heard  the  restless 
steps,  the  loud  groans  and  lamentations  of  the  Prince,  and 
his  grief  had  passed  into  their  own  hearts.  As  they  looked 
at  each  other,  each  observed  tears  in  the  eyes  of  the 
other,  and  with  quivering  lips  both  whispered,  "  Poor 
young  man!  he  must  have  some  great  grief!  He  suffers  a 
great  deal!  " 

"  You  must  go  to  him,  Leuchtmar,"  whispered  Miiller. 
"  You  must  ask  what  ails  him,  and  try  to  comfort  him."' 

The  baron  mournfully  shook  his  head.  "  My  dear  Miiller," 
he  said,  "  have  you  ever  been  in  love?  " 

"  No,  never!  "  replied  Miiller,  in  astonishment.  "  Why 
do  you  ask  such  a  question  ?  " 

"  Because  you  would  then  know,  friend,  that  there  is  no 
consolation  for  disappointment  in  love." 

"  You  think,  then,  that  the  Prince  is  disappointed  in 
love?" 

"  Certainly,  I  think  so.  What  other  grief  can  a  young 
Prince  of  hardly  eighteen  years  have,  especially  when  his 
heart  is  engrossed  with  a  glowing  passion.  The  Prince  was  last 
night  in  the  Media  Nocte,  and  something  peculiar  must  have 
occurred  there,  for  he  came  home  Tinusually  early,  his  custom 
having  been  of  late  not  to  return  home  until  daybreak,  sing- 
ing and  rejoicing." 

"  Only  hear,  Leuchtmar,  how  he  sobs  and  groans!  And 
now!    Hush!  what  does  he  say?  " 

Both  gentlemen  held  their  breath,  and  quite  distinctly 


THE  HARDEST  VICTORY.  147 

could  be  heard  within  the  wailing,  tear-choked  voice  of  the 
Prince: 

"  It  is  impossible — it  is  impossible.  I  can  not.  No,  I  can 
not.     The  sacrifice  is  too  heavy!     My  heart  will  break!  " 

"  Hear  him  well,"  whispered  Mtiller,  amid  his  tears;  "  he 
can  not  make  the  sacrifice.  He  will  die  of  grief.  My  God! 
go  to  him,  baron.  Tell  him  he  need  not  make  the  sacrifice. 
'No  one  can  require  of  him  the  impossible.  Go  to  him,  man! 
Be  humane.  My  God!  only  hear  how  he  laments  and 
groans!  " 

"  I  hear  it,  but  I  can  not  go  in.  I  do  not  know  his  sorrow, 
and  if  the  Prince  needs  me  he  can  call  me." 

''  You  are  a  savage,"  said  Miiller  desperately.  "  Well,  if 
you  will  not  comfort  him,  then  shall  I  go  to  him." 

He  stretched  out  his  hand  for  the  door  knob,  but  Baron 
Leuchtmar  held  him  back,  and  led  the  good  private  secretary 
back  to  his  own  room. 

"  Let  us  go  to  bed,  friend,"  he  said;  "  even  if  we  can  not 
sleep,  as  is  probable,  yet  we  can  rest,  which  is  needful  for  our 
aged  limbs.  We  can  not  yet  help  the  Prince;  and,  believe 
me,  he  would  never  forgive  us  if  we  were  to  go  to  him  un- 
summoned,  thereby  betraying  that  we  have  been  privy  to  his 
suffering  and  his  pain.  He  has  a  grief,  there  is  no  question 
about  that;  but  he  is  retiringly  modest,  and  at  the  same  time 
has  a  stout  heart  that  will  admit  no  one  to  share  with  him  a 
burden  he  has  perhaps  imposed  upon  himself.  I  am  glad  of 
this,  Miiller,  and  I  tell  you  such  hours  of  solitar}^  grief  purify 
the  manly  heart;  in  them  the  old  myth  is  verified,  from  the 
fire  and  ashes  of  spent  sorrows  springs  up  the  new-fledged 
phoenix.  Should  we  prevent  our  Prince  from  passing  through 
his  purgatory,  that  he  may  emerge  from  the  flames  as  a  phoenix 
and  a  victorious  hero?  " 

"  You  may  be  right,"  sighed  Miiller,  "  but  I  only  know 
that  he  is  suffering  bitterly." 

Baron  Leuchtmar  smiled  sadly.  "May  these  sufferings 
steel  his  heart,"  he  said, "  that  he  may  be  armed  against  greater 
and  bitterer  trials!  Come,  Miiller,  we  will  to  bed,  and  to 
sleep." 

But,  however  composedly  and  resolutely  the  baron  had 


148  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

opposed  himself  to  the  siiggestions  of  his  soft-hearted  col- 
league, sleep  that  night  forsook  his  eyes,  and  ever  he  heard 
in  imagination  the  Prince's  groans  and  laments.  At  times 
he  could  hardly  repress  his  longing  to  get  up,  to  creep  to  the 
Prince's  door  and  listen,  that  he  might  discover  whether  he 
were  still  awake.  But  the  baron  forcibly  restrained  himself, 
and  finally,  as  day  already  began  to  dawn,  he  actually  fell 
asleep.  He  might  possibly  have  slept  a  few  hours,  but  his  serv- 
ant approached  his  couch  and  roused  him. 

"  Baron,"  he  said,  "  some  one  is  here  who  urgently  desires 
to  speak  to  you." 

"Who,  Frederick,  who  is  there?"  asked  Baron  Leucht- 
mar,  quickly  rising. 

"  The  chamberlain,  Baron  von  Marwitz,  has  arrived  from 
Berlin." 

"Marwitz,  the  Elector's  first  chamberlain?"  cried  the 
baron.  "  Quick,  my  clothes,  quick!  Help  me  to  dress  myself. 
Eun  and  tell  Baron  von  Marwitz  that  I  will  be  at  his  service 
directly.  But  first  tell  me  whether  his  highness  is  already 
visible.    Has  he  already  ordered  his  breakfast?  " 

"  No,  baron,  I  believe  all  is  still  quiet  in  his  highness's 
apartments." 

"  God  be  thanked!  God  be  thanked!  Now  present  my 
compliments  to  Baron  von  Marwitz,  and  then  come  quickly 
and  help  me." 

Ten  minutes  later  Baron  Kalkhun  von  Leuchtmar  entered 
the  Prince's  reception  room,  where  the  chamberlain.  Baron 
von  Marwitz,  awaited  him.  The  two  had  a  long  conversation 
together,  Leuchtmar  listening  with  thoughtful  mien  to  Mar- 
witz's  narration  of  the  state  of  affairs  at  home. 

"  Marwitz,"  he  said,  at  the  close  of  their  conversation,  "  we 
have  been  good  and  tried  friends  from  ovir  childhood;  I  know 
that  the  electoral  house  and  our  fatherland  lie  as  near  to  your 
heart  as  to  my  own,  and  that  I  can  trust  you.  I  therefore  tell 
you  you  have  come  at  a  fortunate  hour,  and  God  sends  you! 
The  heart  of  the  Prince  is  wrung  by  a  mighty  sorrow,  and 
he  probably  knows  no  way  out  of  his  griefs.  You  will  show 
him  one,  and  if  he  is  actually  the  aspiring  and  noble-hearted 
Prince,  whom  God  has  sent  for  the  blessing  of  his  house  and 


THE   HARDEST  VICTORY.  149 

the  hope  of  his  country,  then  will  he  appreciate  this  way  and 
walk  in  it.  Go  to  him  now,  Marwitz,  and  lay  before  him  can- 
didly and  without  reserve,  as  you  have  done  before  me,  the 
deplorable  condition  of  things  in  our  native  land." 

"  You  will  come  with  me,  Leuchtmar,  and  present  me  to 
the  Electoral  Prince?" 

"  Xo,  baron.  You  must  suffer  yourself  to  be  announced 
by  the  chamberlain,  for  the  Prince  dismissed  me  j^esterday 
in  wrath.  Hush,  m}^  friend!  say  not  a  word,  it  is  not  so  bad! 
The  heart  of  the  Prince  has  reached  a  crisis  in  its  history  which 
will  soon  be  past,  and  then,  well  then,  he  will  call  me  of  him- 
self again.  But  I  shall  wait  for  that.  I  can  not  intrude  upon 
him  now." 

"  My  friend,"  sighed  ]\Iarwitz,  "  I  begin  to  be  afraid.  If 
you  do  not  support  me,  I  will  surely  fail  in  my  errand,  and, 
hke  Schlieben,  be  forced  to  return  disappointed  to  Berlin." 

"  I  think  not.  Only  be  of  good  courage  and  speak  boldly, 
as  your  heart  and  your  love  of  country  dictate." 

"  Is  the  Electoral  Prince  already  up  ?  "  he  asked  of  the 
man  in  waiting,  and,  as  he  received  nothing  but  a  shrug  of  the 
shoulders  in  reply,  Leuchtmar  beckoned  to  him  to  come 
nearer,  and  retired  with  him  into  a  recess  of  one  of  the  win- 
dows. 

"Well,  what  is  it,  old  Dietrich?  You  have  seen  the  Elec- 
toral Prince  already,  have  you  not?" 

"  Yes,  baron.  He  has  not  been  to  bed  at  all,  but  still  has 
on  the  clothes  he  wore  when  he  went  away  last  night.  He 
is  just  as  pale  as  a  sheet,  and  his  eyes  which  usually  shine  so 
gloriously  are  to-day  quite  dim.  He  called  me,  and  I  thought 
he  was  about  to  order  breakfast,  but  no!  Something  quite 
different  he  wanted,  and  it  struck  me  as  peculiarly  strange. 
The  Electoral  Prince  asked  me  who  was  on  duty  this  week,  I 
or  the  second  valet,  Ebcrhard?  I  told  him  Eberhard.  for  his 
week  began  yesterday.  Then  said  the  Electoral  Prince: 
*  Well,  Dietrich,  I  want  you  to  exchange  with  him  this  time, 
for  I  would  like  to  have  you  to  wait  upon  me  this  week,  and 
Eberhard  shall  have  a  holiday  the  whole  week.  I  only  want 
to  see  your  old  face  about  me! '  Is  not  that  strange,  Sir  Baron? 
Until  yesterday  Eberhard  stood  in  such  high  favor,  and  my 


150  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

gracious  master  always  preferred  being  dressed  by  him.  Only 
yesterday  evening  Eberhard  must  accompany  him  to  the  feast, 
and  now,  all  at  once,  my  gracious  master  will  not  see  him! 
Something  must  have  happened,  for  last  night  Eberhard 
came  home  much  later  than  the  Electoral  Prince,  and  asked, 
as  if  bewildered,  whether  his  highness  had  been  back  long; 
and  when  I  told  him  that  the  Electoral  Prince  had  bidden 
me  change  with  him,  he  turned  deadly  pale,  trembled  in  every 
limb,  and  said,  '  It  is  all  over  with  me! '  Baron,  something 
surely  happened  last  night." 

"  Probably  Eberhard  has  been  guilty  of  some  negligence," 
said  Leuchtmar  carelessly.  "  He  has  often  been  negligent  of 
late,  as  it  seems  to  me.  He  has  some  love  affair  on  hand,  has 
he  not?" 

"  Yes,  Sir  Baron,  he  has  gotten  in  with  that  artful  cham- 
bermaid of  the  Princess  Ludovicka,  out  there  at  Doornward, 
and  they  are  engaged  to  one  another.  But  people  do  not 
say  much  good  of  Madame  Alice:  she  is  a  cunning  French 
girl  and " 

"  Do  not  trouble  yourself  about  what  people  say,"  inter- 
rupted the  baron.  "  Do  your  own  duty  and  rejoice  that  for 
this  week  the  Electoral  Prince  gives  you  the  preference  over 
Eberhard.  Go,  now,  and  announce  to  his  highness  the  cham- 
berlain. Baron  von  Marwitz,  from  Berlin." 

A  few  minutes  later  the  gentleman  announced  entered 
the  Prince's  drawing  room.  Frederick  William  advanced  into 
the  middle  of  the  room  to  meet  him,  and  greeted  him  with 
grave  courtesy. 

"  I  was  expecting  you,  baron,"  he  said  coldly. 

"  Your  highness  was  expecting  me? "  asked  the  baron, 
astonished.  "  Your  highness  knew  already  that  I  would 
come  ?  " 

"  Yes,  I  knew  it,  baron.  My  mother's  court  painter,  Ga- 
briel Nietzel,  arrived  yesterday,  and  through  him  my  gracious 
mother  informed  me  that  the  Elector  would  send  you  to  me 
with  a  very  serious  and  angry  message.  You  see,  I  am  pre- 
pared.   Deliver  your  message  now,  baron.    Let  us  be  seated." 

The  Prince  sat  down  in  the  armchair  and  made  the  baron 
sit  opposite  him.    His  large  eyes  were  fixed  upon  Marwitz,  and 


THE  HARDEST  VICTORY.  151 

bumed  with  a  strange,  sad  light.  His  noble  pale  countenance 
was  of  touching  beauty. 

"  You  hesitate?  "  asked  the  Prince  quietly,  after  a  pause. 
*'  What  you  have  to  say  to  me  is,  then,  very  bad?  " 

"  No,  your  highness,  not  therefor  did  I  delay,"  cried  the 
baron,  with  feeling.  "  Your  appearance  bewildered  me,  be- 
cause it  pleased  me  so  much.  I  have  not  seen  your  highness 
for  three  years.  You  were  then  hardly  fifteen  years  old,  a 
noble,  promising  boy,  and  now  I  behold  you  with  rapture 
and  delight,  seeing  that  all  our  expectations  have  been  ful- 
filled, and  that  out  of  the  boy  has  grown  a  strong,  noble,  and 
serious  young  man.  Yes,  Prince,  I  read  it  in  your  counte- 
nance, your  unhappy  fatherland,  your  unhappy,  much-to-be- 
pitied  Brandenburgers,  may  look  with  trust  and  confidence 
to  the  future,  for  you  will  save  and  rescue  them." 

"Save  them  from  what?  Eescue  them  from  what?" 
asked  the  Prince,  in  cold  and  measured  phrase.  "  Why  do 
you  call  my  fatherland  unhappy,  and  why  do  you  say  that 
the  Brandenburgers  are  to  be  pitied?  Is  not  my  fatherland, 
for  doubtless  you  do  not  mean  Germany,  but  my  special  father- 
land, in  which  I  have  been  born  and  reared,  is  not  the  Mark 
Brandenburg  now  quite  happy  and  peaceful,  as  it  has  been 
for  some  years  past,  since  it  is  again  under  the  Emperor's 
protection  and  favor,  in  pleasant  neutrality  between  the  two 
inimical  parties?  And  as  to  my  good  Brandenburgers,  I  can 
not  imagine  how  you  can  call  them  so  much  to  be  pitied  when 
Count  Adam  von  Schwarzenberg  is  still  Stadtholder  in  the 
Mark — Count  Adam  von  Schwarzenberg,  who  certainly  must 
have  the  good  of  Brandenburg  at  heart,  since  he  knows  how 
much  my  father  loves  him  and  trusts  to  him.  He  will  always 
show  liimself  worthy  of  confidence,  I  doubt  not,  and  I  have 
the  highest  respect  for  my  father's  great  and  wise  minister." 

"Ah!  your  highness  mistrusts  me,"  cried  Marwitz  with 
an  expression  of  pain.  "  Your  highness  takes  me  for  one  of 
Schwarzenberg's  adherents." 

"  No,  I  take  you  for  what  you  are,  the  messenger  and 
emissary  of  my  father,  the  Elector  of  Brandenburg." 

"  Your  highness  would  thereby  say  that  this  messenger 
and  emissary  has  consequently  received  his  orders  from  Count 


152  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

Schwarzenberg,  because  the  count  is  really  lord  of  the  Mark 
and  the  Elector's  right  hand.  I  read  in  your  countenance 
that  you  do  so,  and  that  therefore  you  mistrust  me.  But  I 
swear  to  you,  Prince,  you  may  believe  in  my  honest,  upright 
intentions — you  may  believe  that  what  I  say  is  in  solemn 
earnest." 

"  I  believe  it,  certainly  I  believe  it,"  said  the  Prince. 
"  You  have  undertaken  the  commissions  of  the  Elector  and 
his  Minister  Schwarzenberg;  naturally  you  will  be  in  earnest 
in  executing  them." 

"  Prince,  I  have  undertaken  the  commissions,  the  behests 
of  the  Elector;  but  from  himself  and  not  from  his  minister 
did  I  obtain  them.  I  have  sworn  to  execute  them,  and  do 
you  know  why?  " 

"Why?  Simply  because  you  are  your  master's  obedient 
servant." 

"  No,  Prince,  because  I  am  a  faithful  servant  of  my  coun- 
try, and  because  I  have  a  heart  to  feel  for  her  affliction  and 
distress.  The  Elector  has  commanded  me  to  travel  to  The 
Hague,  and  to  convey  his  strict  injunction  to  the  Electoral 
Prince  that  he  shall  immediately  set  out  and  return  home  to 
Berlin.  The  Elector  bids  me  say  to  your  highness  that  he  has 
committed  to  me  five  thousand  dollars  to  defray  the  expenses  of 
your  journey  back  and  for  the  liquidation  of  the  most  press- 
ing debts.  Should  this  sum  not  suffice,  then  am  I  empowered, 
in  the  name  of  his  Electoral  Highness,  to  give  security  for  the 
payment  of  the  other  debts,  and  your  highness  is  so  to  arrange 
your  journey  that  your  suite  may  follow  in  the  least  expensive 
way  possible.  I  was  to  urge  on  you  seriously  and  decidedly 
the  propriety  of  departure,  and  your  father  bids  me  state  to 
you  that  he  has  his  own  peculiarly  strong  reasons  for  esteem- 
ing a  further  sojourn  in  Holland  neither  safe,  profitable,  nor 
reputable.  I  was  to  assure  your  highness  that  you  were  not 
to  be  recalled,  in  order  to  be  forced  into  a  repulsive  marriage. 
At  the  same  time,  the  Elector  desires  that  you  return  unem- 
barrassed by  engagements,  and  that  you  by  no  means  entangle 
yourself  by  marriage  without  his  knowledge  and  consent,  for 
to  such  a  union  would  the  Elector  not  agree,  nor  ratify  it."  * 
*  The  Elector's  own  words.    See  von  Orlich,  vol.  i. 


THE   HARDEST   VICTORY.  15^ 

"Is  that  all  yoii  have  to  say  to  me?"  asked  the  Prince, 
when  Marwitz  was  silent. 

"  Prince,  it  is  all  I  have  to  say  to  you  in  the  Elector's  name, 
and  I  have  herewith  executed  the  commission  intrusted  to 
me.  But  I  have  something  still  to  add.  I  have  still  to  exe- 
cute the  commissions  given  me  by  your  future  land,  by  your 
future  subjects.  I  have  to  transmit  to  you  the  tears  of  the 
wretched,  the  sighs  of  the  impoverished,  the  cries  of  the  de- 
spairing, the  agonized  shriek  of  all  the  provinces,  all  the  towns, 
all  the  villages,  houses,  and  huts  in  the  Mark.  Prince,  from 
the  depth  of  their  affliction  all  hearts  uplift  themselves  to 
^•ou;  in  the  midst  of  their  despair,  the  oppressed,  the  down- 
trodden, the  tormented  all  venture  to  hope  in  you,  and  in 
spirit  they  kneel  before  you  and  with  outstretched  hands  en- 
treat you,  as  I  do  now,  '  Pity  our  distress,  future  Elector  of 
Brandenburg,  have  compassion  upon  the  lands  and  provinces 
which  shall  one  day  constitute  your  state.  Turn  not  a  deaf 
ear  to  the  prayers,  the  hopes  of  your  future  subjects.' " 

Marwitz  had  sunk  upon  the  floor,  and  stretched  his  clasped 
hands  out  to  the  Prince,  who  looked  thoughtfully  into  his 
excited  face. 

"  And  what  would  my  future  subjects  have,  what  do  they 
desire  of  me?  " 

"  That  you  forthwith,  without  delay,  return  to  the  Mark 
by  the  speediest  way  possible." 

"  I  ?  "  cried  the  Electoral  Prince,  with  a  mocking  smile. 
"  Your  wishes  and  entreaties,  and  those  of  the  Brandenburgers, 
coincide  very  exactly  with  my  father's  orders!  " 

"  Yes,  they  do  coincide,  but  spring  from  different  motives. 
Prince,  we  implore,  we  entreat  you  to  return;  no  longer  give 
us  over  to  the  caprice,  the  villainy,  the  tyranny  and  avarice  of 
Count  von  tSchwarzenberg.  He  is  the  evil  demon  of  your 
father,  of  your  country.    Come  home  and  frighten  him  away!  " 

The  Prince  started,  and  for  a  moment  a  deep  glow  suffused 
his  pale  countenance.  His  look  penetrated  deeper  into  the 
baron's  uplifted,  beseeching  eyes,  as  if  through  them  he  would 
read  into  the  very  depths  of  his  heart. 

"  Stand  up,  Marwitz,"  he  said,  after  a  long  pause — "  stand 
up,  for  you  are  too  old  and  too  venerable  to  kneel  before  so 


154  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

young  a  man  as  myself.  Else,  sit  down  near  mc,  and  explain 
your  words  more  clearly.  What  good  can  my  return  home 
do,  and  how  think  you  that  I  can  benefit  the  land?  And 
first  and  foremost,  why  do  you  call  Count  Schwarzenberg  the 
evil  demon  of  my  father  and  his  country?" 

"  Permit  me,  your  highness,  to  answer  the  last  question 
first,  and  thus  will  you  understand  the  rest.  Count  Schwarz- 
enberg is  answerable  for  all  the  distress,  wretchedness,  and 
misery  which  envelop  the  Mark,  Prussia,  indeed  all  parts  of 
your  devastated  and  distracted  land,  for  he  acts  contrary  to 
the  true  interests  of  the  Elector  and  his  land,  being  wholly 
devoted  to  the  interests  of  his  own  master,  the  Emperor  of 
Germany.  To  this  end  all  is  worked  and  manoeuvred,  with 
this  aim  all  efforts  are  undertaken,  to  ruin  Brandenburg,  and 
take  from  it  all  power  and  consideration,  yea,  all  hope,  in 
order  that  it  may  be  rendered  dependent  upon  the  Emperor 
and  empire,  and  become  less  dangerous.  For  the  benefit  of 
the  Emperor,  and  to  the  detriment  of  the  Elector  and  his 
land,  has  Count  Schwarzenberg  concluded  the  treaty  of 
Prague.  Up  to  that  time  Brandenburg  was  the  ally  of  Sweden, 
now  it  is  neutral — that  is  to  say,  it  is  the  prey  of  both  parties; 
it  is  visited,  laid  under  contribution,  and  plundered  by  the 
Swedish  and  Imperialist  troops,  and  can  apply  for  redress 
to  no  one,  expect  aid  from  no  one.  With  each  day  the  misery 
increases  more  and  more.  All  trade  and  commerce  languish; 
in  the  country  the  fields  remain  unfilled,  in  the  towns  the 
artisans  are  unemployed,  nobody  finds  work  or  wages.  Hun- 
ger and  want,  and  in  their  retinue  sickness  and  death,  daily 
demand  hundreds  of  victims.  The  Swede  has  possession  of 
your  rightful  heritage,  Pomerania,  and  the  Imperialists  press 
to  invade  the  Pomeranian  towns  and  lay  them  under  contribu- 
tion, without  thinking  of  leaving  the  vanquished  cities  where- 
withal to  pay  tribute  to  their  Sovereign,  the  Elector  of  Bran- 
denburg. Imperialist  is  to  become  the  whole  Mark,  the  whole 
of  Pomerania  and  Prussia,  Westphalia  and  the  duchy  of 
Cleves.  Imperialist  and  Catholic — that  is  Count  Schwarzen- 
berg's  plan,  and  with  cruel  consistency  he  puts  in  motion 
everything  that  can  conduce  to  its  accomplishment.  To  pre- 
vent the  recovery,  the  prosperity  of  Prussia  and  the  Mark  is 


THE  HARDEST  VICTORY.  155 

the  aim  of  all  his  polic3^  He  exhausts  the  land,  and  yet  more 
than  the  enemy  plunders  and  taxes  the  towns,  enriching  him- 
self through  tiie  blood  and  tears  of  the  tortured  citizens  and 
hungry  peasantry,  living  in  luxury  and  splendor,  while  the 
Elector  is  suffering  want,  while  his  land  is  starved  and  un- 
productive." 

"  Abominable!  horrible!  "  groaned  the  Electoral  Prince, 
covering  his  face  \nth  both  his  hands,  probably  to  conceal 
from  Marwitz  the  tears  wliich  stood  in  his  eyes. 

"  Prince,"  cried  Marwitz  Joyfully,  "  you  are  moved!  The 
afflictions  of  your  country  touch  your  noble  heart!  Oh,  may 
God  be  with  you  in  this  hour,  and  strengthen  you  for  noble 
and  great  resolves!  " 

"  What  do  you  require  of  me?  "  asked  the  Prince,  after  a 
pause,  slowly  withdrawing  his  hands  from  his  livid  face. 
"What  can  I  do?" 

"  You  can  come  home,  Prince,  come  home  to  the  un- 
happy land  whose  future  lord  you  are  by  the  appointment  of 
God.  Your  mere  presence  will  be  a  comfort  to  the  unhappy, 
a  terror  to  Schwarzenberg.  On  you  rest  the  hopes  of  all  patri- 
ots. You  are  the  standard  around  whom  they  rally,  the  ban- 
ner to  which  they  look  up  in  hope  and  patience,  for  which, 
if  needs  be,  they  will  battle  to  the  last  drop  of  their  blood. 
You  furnish  us  all  with  a  center  and  support,  perhaps  even 
your  father  himself,  who  maybe  sometimes  fears  his  own 
almighty  minister,  certainly  your  mother,  who  longs  for  her 
son  as  her  stay  and  support!  Prince,  one  more  last  word.  I 
say  it  with  hesitation,  I  would  not  even  intrust  it  to  the  air, 
and  yet  it  must  be  spoken — Prince,  the  power  of  Count 
Schwarzenberg  over  your  father's  heart  is  great,  and — and — 
Count  Schwarzenberg  is  a  believing  Catholic!  It  would  be 
a  new  pillar  to  his  might  if  the  Elector " 

"  Hush,  hush!  "  interrupted  the  Electoral  Prince,  jump- 
ing up  from  his  seat.  "  Xot  another  word!  You  are  right, 
the  very  air  itself  may  not  hear  such  words!  Bury  them  in 
your  heart  and  never  again  utter  them!  These  are  fearful 
tidings,  which  you  have  brought  me,  Marwitz,  and  my  heart 
is  bitterly,  painfully  moved  by  them,  so  that  for  an  instant 

^  11 


156  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

"  Oil,  my  beloved  young  master,"  entreated  Marwitz.  "  let 
not  your  heart  be  merely  touched  by  them,  but  be  inspired  and 
sanctified.  Embrace  a  high  noble  decision.  Conquer  yourself, 
and " 

With  uplifted  hand  the  Electoral  Prince  beckoned  him 
to  be  silent,  and  with  rapid  step  and  head  sunk  he  paced  up 
and  down  the  apartment.  Then  all  at  once  he  stopped,  and, 
quickly  raising  his  head,  asked,  "  Where  is  Leuchtmar?  Why 
did  he  not  come  with  you?  " 

"  I  know  not,  Prince — he  told  me  he  could  not  dare  to 
appear  in  your  presence;  he " 

"Ah!  that  is  true,"  said    the  Prince  mournfully;  "we 

have  not  seen  each  other  since I  beg  of  you,  Marwitz,  to 

go  and  fetch  Leuchtmar  to  me." 

The  baron  made  haste  to  execute  the  Prince's  mandate. 
Frederick  William  looked  after  him  until  the  door  closed 
behind  him.  Then  his  large,  moist  eyes  were  slowly  upraised 
to  heaven,  and  his  trembling  lips  murmured:  "  Oh,  how  young 
I  am  yet,  and  how  much  I  have  still  to  learn!  Help  me,  my 
God,  that  I  may  have  the  needed  strength!  " 

Again  the  door  opened,  and  Marwitz  entered,  followed  by 
Leuchtmar,  who  remained  standing  at  the  door.  The  Elec- 
toral Prince  looked  at  him  with  questioning  glances,  and  ever 
brighter  became  his  brow,  ever  more  cheerful  his  aspect.  And 
all  at  once  he  spread  out  his  arms,  and  in  a  tone  of  most  heart- 
felt love,  most  tender  pleading,  called  out,  "  My  beloved  teach- 
er! come  to  my  arms!  " 

Leuchtmar  sprang  forward  with  a  cry  of  Joy.  The  Prince 
tenderly  fell  on  his  neck  and  pressed  him  closely  to  his 
breast. 

"  Oh,"  he  murmured  softly,  "  my  friend,  I  have  suffered 
much,  and  still  suffer.    Forgive  me  on  account  of  my  pain!  " 

And  he  leaned  his  head  on  Leuchtmar's  shoulder  and  wept 
bitterly.  A  long  pause  ensued.  ISTo  one  of  the  three  could  in- 
terrupt it,  for  speech  remained  locked  upon  the  trembling 
lips  of  all,  and  only  their  tears,  their  sighs  spoke.  Then  the 
door  slowly  opened,  and  the  private  secretary,  Mtiller,  appeared 
upon  the  threshold.  For  a  moment  he  stood  still,  and  looked 
with  quivering  lips  upon  the  Prince,  who  was  just  slowly 


THE  HARDEST  VICTORY.  157 

extricating    himself    from    Leuchtmar's    embrace,    then    he 
stepped  resolutely  forward. 

"  Your  highness/'  he  said,  "  forgive  me  for  venturing  to 
intrude  my  presence  here,  without  having  been  summoned. 
But  old  Dietrich  dared  not  take  the  step  which  I  do  now,  and 
so  the  responsibility  rests  upon  myself  alone." 

"  And  what  is  it?  "  asked  the  Prince.  "  What  brings  you 
to  me,  my  dear,  true  friend  ?  " 

"  He  calls  me  his  dear,  true  friend!  "  rejoiced  Miiller. 
"  All  is  right  again,  then — all  is  in  order!  We  are  not  dis- 
missed— we  are  not  sent  home!  " 

"You  may  be,  after  all,  my  old  friend,"  said  the  Elec- 
toral Prince,  with  a  feeble  smile.  "  But  what  would  you  say 
to  me?  What  sort  of  responsibility  have  you  taken  upon 
yourself?  " 

"  Prince,  I  have  taken  upon  myself  the  responsibility  of 
admitting  into  your  cabinet  the  veiled  lady  who  has  Just  come, 
and  of  requesting  you  to  grant  her  the  audience  for  which  she 
has  been  besieging  Dietrich  with  tears  and  lamentations.  Die- 
trich, however,  would  not  hear  to  it,  and  the  lady  continually 
called  for  Eberhard  to  come — Eberhard  must  lead  her  to  the 
Prince.  But,  as  Dietrich  says,  this  is  not  Eberhard's  week  of 
service,  so  that  he  can  not  enter  here.  I  was  attracted  to  the 
antechamber  by  the  loud  conversation,  and  now  the  lady  turned 
upon  me,  and  pleaded  so  touchingly  and  so  eloquently,  that 
1  could  not  refuse  to  grant  her  request.  Your  highness,  I 
have  conducted  the  lady  into  your  cabinet,  and  she  awaits  you 
there." 

"But,  Miiller,"  cried  Baron  Leuchtmar  despairingly, 
"  what  have  you  done?    How  could  you  be  so  inconsiderate?  " 

The  old  man  drew  himself  up,  and  his  mild  eye  grew  angry. 
"  Inconsiderate!  I  was  not  at  all  inconsiderate,  Baron  Leucht- 
mar. On  the  contrary,  I  thought  it  would  be  unworthy  of  a 
noble  Prince  to  allow  a  woman  to  plead  in  vain,  and  I  thought, 
moreover,  that  Hercules  would  never  have  become  a  hero  if 
he  had  not  had  the  valor  to  meet  the  women  who  greeted  him 
at  the  crossing  of  the  roads." 

"  You  have  done  right,  Miiller."  said  P'rederick  William, 
with  a  faint  smile;  "it  will  be  seen  whether  Hercules  was 


158  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

perhaps  my  forefather.  I  shall  speak  to  the  lady.  Wait  for  me 
here." 

He  crossed  the  apartment  hastily,  and  entered  his  cabinet. 
In  the  center  of  the  room  stood  a  veiled  female  form.  The 
Prince,  however,  recognized  her,  although  her  face  could  not 
be  seen,  for  he  knew  her  by  her  pretty  coquettish  costume  to 
be  the  Princess  Ludovicka's  French  chambermaid,  and  he 
stepped  quickly  up  to  her. 

"  I  thought  that  it  was  you,  Alice,"  he  said  softly,  "  and  I 
have  therefore  come  to  tell  you  to " 

With  sudden  movement  she  tore  back  her  veil,  and  before 
the  pale,  beautiful  countenance  thereby  revealed  the  Prince 
stepped  back,  as  pale  as  death. 

"You  yourself?"  he  murmured.     "You,  Ludovicka?" 

"  Yes,  I,  Ludovicka !  I  come  here  in  my  maid's  dress," 
said  she,  in  a  voice  trembling  with  pain  and  emotion.  "  I  come 
to  you,  my  beloved,  to  ask  you  whether  you  will  desert  me, 
leaving  me  in  despair,  affliction,  and  heart-sickness?  0  Fred- 
erick, Frederick!  how  fearfully  have  I  suffered  this  night!  " 

"  And  I  ?  "  murmured  he  softly.  "  Have  I  not  suffered 
too?" 

"  No,"  she  cried,  "  you  have  not  suffered  as  I  did,  for  you 
love  me  not  as  I  love  you — you  love  me  not  more  than  your 
life,  your  honor,  your  fatherland!  You  will  abandon  and  for- 
sake me,  because  it  is  France  that  has  offered  us  aid!  Oh,  you 
are  a  cold,  heartless  man,  as  all  men  are,  and  yet  I  love  you  so 
much  and  can  not  live  without  you!  Frederick  William,  you 
will  not  go  with  me  to  France — well  then,  I  will  go  with  you, 
wherever  you  will.  I  cleave  to  you — I  will  stay  with  you!  Let 
shame  and  ignominy  be  my  fate,  let  my  mother  curse  me,  let 
all  the  world  despise  me  and  call  me  your  mistress,  I  will  stay 
with  you,  for  I  love  you  and  can  not  live  without  you!  " 

Passionately  she  extended  her  arms  to  him,  love  flaming  in 
her  glances.  But  a  darker  shadow  flitted  across  the  Prince's 
face,  and  he  shrank  back. 

"  God  forbid,  Ludovicka,"  he  said,  "  that  misery  and  shame 
should  ever  come  to  you  through  me,  that  your  mother  should 
curse  you  for  my  sake!  We  are  both  yet  children,  Ludovicka. 
I  felt  right  painfully  last  night  that  the  first  duty  of  children 


THE  HARDEST  VICTORY.  159 

is  to  obey  and  reverence  their  parents.  Let  us  do  our  duty, 
Ludovieka!  " 

'•'  That  is,"  repHed  she  with  swelling  rage — "  that  is  to  say, 
you  give  me  up?  They  have  overcome  your  opposition,  they 
have  brought  you  back  to  obedience,  to  subjection?  " 

"  No  other  than  myself  has  done  it,  Ludo\'icka." 

"You?  You  give  me  up?  Voluntarily?  And  yet  you 
swore  that  you  loved  me  and  me  alone  of  all  the  world?  " 

"  And  I  swore  truly,  Ludovieka.  I  love  you  bound- 
lessly! " 

"  And  yet  you  will  forsake  me?  " 

"  Yet  I  must  do  so,  beloved!  I  must  forsake  you,  but  God 
alone,  who  has  witnessed  my  tortures  this  past  night,  knows 
what  I  suffer.  My  father  is  solitary,  my  fatherland  calls  to 
me,  and  the  first  thing  that  I  sacrifice  on  its  altar  is  my  love 
for  you.  I  can  not  marry  you,  Ludovieka,  and  God  forbid 
that  I  should  accept  your  love  without  marriage!  " 

"  Words,  nothing  but  words! "  cried  she  indignantly. 
"  You  would  palliate  your  unfaithfulness,  represent  your  fickle- 
ness of  mind  as  magnanimity!  But  I  hear  only  one  thing  in 
your  words — you  give  me  up,  you  renounce  your  love?  " 

"  Yes!  "  he  cried  with  a  loud  scream  of  pain — "  yes,  I 
renounce  my  love!  " 

"  Vengeance  upon  you  for  it!  "  cried  she,  in  flaming  wrath. 
"  I,  Ludovieka  Hollandine,  cry  vengeance  upon  you,  for  you 
break  my  heart!  " 

"  And  you  will  have  no  compassion?  You  will  not  see  what 
I  suffer?  Ludovieka,  look!  Look  in  my  eyes,  they  wept  out 
last  night  the  pains  of  a  whole  life — see  what  I  suffer  !  Ludo- 
vieka, on  my  knees  I  beseech  you,  if  you  really  love  me,  then 
have  pity  upon  me — for  the  sake  of  my  agony  forgive  me  what 
you  suffer!  " 

And  beside  himself  with  emotion,  ho  fell  upon  his  knees, 
lifting  up  to  her  his  clasped  hands  and  his  face  that  was  bathed 
in  tears. 

But  now  it  was  she  who  shrank  back.  "  No,"  said  she 
harshly  and  severely,  "no,  no  compassion,  no  forgiveness! 
I  do  not  love  you,  I  have  never  loved  you,  for  you  are  a  foolish 
boy,  and  know  nothing  of  the  glow  of  passion!     You  are  a 


100  THE  HEIR  TO  THE   THRONE. 

child!  Go  away  and  act  like  a  child,  and  be  an  obedient  son! 
Love  rejects  you!  love  turns  from  you!  " 

And  waving  him  off  with  both  hands,  the  Princess  turned 
and  walked  to  the  door.  Frederick  William,  still  upon  his 
knees,  heard  her  quickly  retreating  steps,  bvit  did  not  rise. 
Ludovicka  had  already  stretched  out  her  hand  to  open 
the  door;  but  she  turned  round  once  more,  and  in  tones  of 
mingled  love  and  grief  cried,  "  Frederick,  will  you  let  me 
go?" 

He  did  not  answer,  his  head  sank  lower,  and  a  painful  groan 
forced  itself  from  his  breast.  She  opened  the  door — he  heard 
it — he  saw  the  streak  of  light  that  crossed  the  room  through 
the  open  door,  it  vanished — the  door  had  closed.  Then  was 
wrung  from  the  Prince's  breast  a  shriek  of  agony  such  as  only 
issues  from  the  lips  of  man  under  the  pressure  of  earth's  sharp- 
est pangs. 

The  three  gentlemen  were  yet  assembled  in  the  Prince's 
drawing  room,  conversing  and  imparting  to  one  another  their 
fears  and  hopes.  All  at  once  the  door  of  the  cabinet  opened  and 
the  Electoral  Prince  entered.  Pale  as  death,  but  with  firm, 
determined  features,  he  stepped  up  to  the  three  gentlemen, 
who  looked  at  him  with  tender,  anxious  glances. 

"  Marwatz,"  he  said,  "  you  can  this  very  day  set  out  on 
your  return  to  Berlin,  for  your  mission  is  fulfilled.  Say  to  my 
father  that  as  an  obedient  son  I  submit  to  his  wishes,  and  shall 
forthwith  depart  for  Berlin." 

The  three  gentlemen  only  answered  him  by  a  single  cry  of 
joy,  and,  animated  by  one  feeling,  one  inspiration,  sank  upon 
their  knees  and  prayed  aloud,  "  Bless,  0  God!  bless  the  Prince, 
who  has  conquered  himself!  " 

"  What  is  going  on  here?  "  asked  a  loud  manly  voice  behind 
them.  "  What  means  this?  Three  gentlemen  on  their  knees, 
and  my  young  cousin  looking  on  like  the  Knight  St.  George!  " 

"  And  so  he  is.  Prince  of  Orange,"  cried  Baron  Leuehtmar, 
rising  and  advancing  to  meet  the  Prince,  who  had  come  in 
unannounced,  as  Avas  his  wont  at  the  house  of  his  cousin. 
"  Yes,  he  is  a  Knight  St.  George,  who  has  conquered  the 
dragon.  You  know.  Prince  Henry,  how  sweetly  they  have  en- 
ticed him,  with  what  magic  chains  they  have  been  encircling 


THE  HARDEST  VICTORY.  161 

him.  You  know  the  Media  Xocte  and  " — added  he  softly — • 
"  the  Princess  Ludovicka." 

"  Well,  and  what  more  now?  "  asked  the  Prince,  with  eager 
interest. 

"  Not  much,  cousin,"  said  Frederick  William,  with  a  melan- 
choly smile.  "  I  must  bid  you  farewell.  I  owe  it  to  my  par- 
ents, to  my  honor,  and  my  couutr}-,  forthwith  to  leave  The 
Hague!  "  * 

"Bravo,  cousin,  bravo!  "  cried  Henry  of  Orange.  "You 
flee  from  danger  and  escape  from  temptation.  That  is  to  be 
called  heroism,  and  herewith  you  have  as  truly  conquered  a 
citadel  as  when  I  vanquished  Breda!  " 

"  Believe  me  too,  cousin,"  said  Frederick  William,  while  he 
leaned  upon  the  Prince's  heroic  breast — "  believe  me,  that  this 
victory  has  cost  much  blood  and  many  tears." 

One  moment  he  let  his  head  rest  on  the  shoulder  of  his 
fatherly  friend,  then  proudly  drew  himseK  up. 

"  Baron  Leuchtmar  and  you,  my  trusty  private  secretary, 
Miiller!  "  he  cried,  with  loud  voice,  "  to-day  we  leave  The 
Hague  and  proceed  to  Arnheim,  and  thence  we  set  forth  to- 
morrow on  our  journey  home.  Marwitz,  you  travel  in  advance. 
The  golden  days  of  our  youth  are  past!  Let  iron  ones  follow! 
I  am  prepared  for  all !  " 

*  The  precise  words  of  the  Electoral  Prince.     See  C.  D.  Kiister,  The 
Remarkable  Youth  of  the  Great  Elector,  p.  39. 


BOOK  III. 
I. — New  Plans. 

"  Strange,  very  strange,"  muttered  Count  Adam  Schwarz- 
enberg  to  himself-.  "  The  Prince  must  have  set  out  on  his  jour- 
ney four  weeks  ago,  and  still  no  news  from  Gabriel  ISTietzel! 
The  journey  hj  sea,  it  is  true,  offered  no  opportunity  for  any 
enterprise,  and  the  Electoral  Prince  had  the  sublime  fancy  of 
choosing  the  water  in  preference  to  the  land  route,  in  spite 
of  the  severities  of  this  season  of  the  year.  But,  according  to 
the  Prince's  scheme  of  traveling,  and  acording  to  my  own  cal- 
culations, the  Prince  must  have  reached  Hamburg  full  eight 
days  ago,  and  as  he  was  only  to  stay  there  three  days,  he  must 
already  have  been  journeying  five  days  by  land,  and  yet  have  I 
in  vain  looked  for  any  tidings  whatever  from  Gabriel  Nietzel. 
Could  it  be  possible  that  this  man  has  dared  to  disobey  me? 
— could  he  have  carried  his  folly  so  far  as  to  sacrifice  wife  and 
child  rather  than  execute  my  commands?  " 

Gloomily  the  count's  brow  wrinkled,  as  he  asked  liimself 
this  question,  and  his  eyes  flamed  with  fury.  With  folded 
arms  he  walked  rapidly  to  and  fro. 

"  To  think  that  all  my  plans  may  be  wrecked  by  the  pangs 
of  conscience  of  a  single  fool!  "  he  sighed — "  to  think,  that  for 
months,  nay,  for  years,  I  have  been  laboring  in  vain  to  see  the 
realization  of  these  projects,  and  that  in  my  highest,  proudest 

aims  I  am  dependent  upon  a  blockhead,  who What  is 

it  Daniel?    What  is  your  errand?  " 

"  Pardon  me,  your  excellency;  some  one  is  without  who 
desires  most  urgently  to  speak  with  you." 

"  Who  is  it? — do  you  know  him?  " 

"  No,  my  lord  count,  I  do  not  know  him,  and  he  will  not 

162 


NEW  PLANS.  163 

tell  what  he  wants  of  your  excellency.  He  says  he  must  speak 
with  your  lordship  himself,  and  I  must  only  announce  his 
name.    It  is  Gabriel  Nietzel." 

"  Gabriel  Nietzel!  "  cried  the  count.  "  Why  did  you  not 
tell  me  so  directly,  you  fool!  Bring  him  in  without  delay, 
and  take  care  that  no  one  disturbs  us  so  long  as  the  painter 
Gabriel  Nietzel  is  with  us." 

The  lackey  hurried  off,  leaving  the  door  open  for  the 
painter,  whom  he  fetched  in  from  the  first  antechamber. 
Breathlessly,  in  violent  excitement.  Count  Schwarzenberg 
looked  toward  this  open  door.  "  It  is  my  future  fate  that  is 
about  to  enter,"  he  murmured.  "  Ah,  there  he  is!  There  is 
Gabriel  ISTietzel!  "  And  in  his  vehement  agitation  he  rushed 
forward  a  few  steps  to  meet  the  painter,  whom  he  saw  approach- 
ing through  the  entrance  hall.  But  forcibly  constraining  him- 
self to  an  appearance  of  moderation  and  reserve,  he  stood  still 
and  assumed  a  calm,  unimpassioned  expression.  Gabriel  ISTiet- 
zel  entered,  and  behind  him  the  lackey  gently  closed  the  door. 
The  sharp  eyes  of  the  count  rested  inquiringly  upon  the  new- 
comer, who  remained  standing  near  the  door  with  head  sunk 
and  humble,  melancholy  mien.  This  submissive,  contrite  si- 
lence on  the  part  of  the  returning  painter  was  sufficiently  elo- 
quent to  the  mind  of  the  count.  It  told  him  that  Gabriel  Niet- 
zel  had  nothing  welcome  to  communicate.  He  subdued  his 
rage  and  proudly  threw  back  his  head,  as  if  to  shake  off,  like 
troublesome  insects,  all  his  disappointed  hopes. 

"  Well,  you  are  actually  at  home  again.  Master  Court 
Painter!  "  he  cried,  in  a  tone  that  was  well-nigh  cheerful. 

"  Yes,  your  excellency,"  whispered  Gabriel,  with  downcast 
eyes,  "  here  I  am  again,  and  report  myself  forthwith  to  your 
excellency." 

"To  me?"  asked  Schwarzenberg,  affecting  astonishment. 
'"  Why  do  you  report  yourself  to  me,  and  what  have  I  to  do 
with  you.  Sir  Court  Painter  Gabriel  Nietzel?  You  should  have 
gone  to  the  palace,  to  the  Electress,  and  gladdened  her  heart 
with  your  pleasin_r^  intelligence.  I  doubt  not  that  you  are  the 
])earer  of  glad  tidings  for  her,  and  come  to  forewarn  her  of 
the  Prince's  speedy  arrival  here  in  safety  and  good  health?" 

"  I  had  no  wish  to  go  to  her  highness  the  Electress,"  said 


104.  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

Gabriel  Nietzel  humbly.  "  She  knows  already,  independently 
of  any  information  from  me,  that  the  Electoral  Prince  is  safe 
and  sound.  1  come  to  your  excellency  to  excuse  myself  for  the 
failure  of  my  undertaking,  and  to  beg  your  pardon." 

"  1  do  not  understand  you  at  all,  Sir  Court  Painter,"  re- 
plied Count  Schwarzenberg,  shrugging  his  shoulders.  ''  I 
know  not  what  sort  of  undertaking  you  had  in  view,  what  you 
have  failed  in,  and  what  I  can  have  to  pardon  you  for." 

"  Your  excellency!  "  cried  Gabriel  with  an  outburst  of  grief 
— "  your  excellency,  I  swear  that  I  am  innocent,  that  it  has 
been  the  result  of  no  ill  will,  no  negligence,  but  because  I  really 
could  not  find  an  opportunity  for  carrying  out  what " 

''Well,  carrying  out  what?"  asked  Schwarzenberg,  when 
Gabriel  faltered.  "  What  do  I  care  for  your  unfinished  works, 
your  abortive  schemes?  I  only  buy  finished  pictures,  and,  if 
they  are  well  executed  and  successes,  I  pay  for  them  in  kingly 
style.  With  daubers,  though,  and  wretched  copyists  who 
would  pass  off  copies  as  originals,  I  have  nothing  to  do.  Speak 
not  to  me,  then.  Sir  Court  Painter,  of  your  sketches  and  de- 
signs. I  ask  nothing  about  them,  but  only  come  to  me  when 
you  have  a  completed  work  to  exhibit." 

"  Your  excellency  will  not  understand  me,"  said  Gabriel, 
while  drops  of  agony  trickled  from  his  cold  brow. 

"  No,"  proudly  retorted  the  count,  "  it  is  for  you  to  under- 
stand me,  Sir  Court  Painter  Gabriel  Metzel.  Were  you  not 
sent  to  The  Hague  to  complete  your  studies  there?  Why 
have  you  returned  home  so  soon  ?  " 

"  Because  I  was  homesick,  most  gracious  sir — because  I 
longed  inexpressibly  after  my  child,  my  wife!  " 

The  painter  ventured  to  lift  his  eyes  with  earnest  anxiety 
and  entreaty  to  the  face  of  the  count,  but  Schwarzenberg's 
glance  remained  cold. 

"  Ah,  you  have  a  wife?  "  he  asked,  with  indifference.  "  You 
left  her  behind  and  went  alone  to  The  Hague?  " 

"  Yes,  I  went  there  quite  alone,  because  I  had  a  great  and 
important  work  to  accomplish  there;  but  before  I  had  even 
stretched  my  canvas  and  sketched  the  outlines,  an  unexpected 
hindrance  interposed  which  annihilated  all  my  plans." 

"What  sort  of  hindrance?"  asked  the  count  carelessly, 


NEW  PLANS.  165 

while  he  played  with  the  hea'V'y  golden  chain  about  his  neck, 
to  which  was  attached  the  portrait  of  the  Elector  set  in  bril- 
liants.   "  What  sort  of  hindrance?  " 

"  The  Electoral  Prince,  to  whom  the  Electress  had  recom- 
mended me,  and  who  received  me  into  the  number  of  his  at- 
tendants, suddenly  and  unexpectedly  determined  to  take  his 
departure  from  The  Hague,  and  straightway  carried  Ms  reso- 
lution into  effect.  He  himself,  together  with.  Baron  von  Mar- 
witz.  Baron  Leuchtmar  von  Kalkhun,  secretary  Miiller,  and  his 
chamberlain  repaired  forthwith  to  Amsterdam,  in  order  to 
take  ship  there.  He,  however,  ordered  his  major-domo  and 
myself  to  break  up  his  household,  to  pack  up  his  books  and 
paintings,  and  to  Journey  with  them  by  land  to  Berlin.  I 
ventured  to  protest  against  this,  and  even  preferred  the  request 
to  be  permitted  to  accompany  the  Electoral  Prince  upon  his 
sea  voyage;  this,  however,  Baron  Leuchtmar  refused,  and  no- 
body was  allowed  to  speak  with  the  Electoral  Prince  himself. 
Up  to  the  time  of  his  departure  he  remained  shut  up  in  his 
chamber,  and  only  left  it  to  get  into  the  carriage  which  con- 
veyed him  to  Amsterdam.  There,  as  was  known,  lay  a  pas- 
senger vessel  ready  to  sail  for  Hamburg,  and  in  this  the  Elec- 
toral Prince  took  passage." 

"  And  you  did  not  see  the  Electoral  Prince  at  all  before  he 
set  out?  " 

"  Oh,  your  excellency,  I  had  ranged  myself  along  with  all 
his  other  household  officers  at  the  side  of  his  traveling  carriage, 
and  the  Prince  very  condescendingly  held  out  his  hand  to  me, 
yes,  he  even  tried  to  smile.  '  Gabriel  Nietzel,'  he  said,  '  make 
all  speed  to  reach  Berlin  right  soon.  I  shall  desire  my  mother 
to  allow  you  to  enter  my  special  service,  and  then  you  shall 
paint  for  me  many  a  pretty  picture.  Until  then,  farewell! ' 
He  once  more  nodded  kindly  to  me,  and  jumped  into  the  car- 
riage." 

"  That  is  the  only  time  that  you  have  spoken  at  all  to  the 
Electoral  Prince?  " 

"  No,  your  bonor.  on  the  very  day  of  my  arrival  I  had  an 
audience  with  him,  and  the  Electoral  Prince  was  highly  de- 
lighted to  receive  news  from  home.  I  must  tell  him  everything 
in  detail,  and  since,  with  your  gracious  permission,  I  claimed 


166  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

to  side  with  your  lordship's  opponents,  the  Electoral  Prince 
immediately  became  very  confidential  and  aflectionate  to  me, 
receiving  me  into  his  house  and  retinue,  and  promising  to 
present  me  at  the  courts  of  the  Stadtholder  and  the  Queen  of 
Bohemia." 

"  How  came  it,  then,  that  the  Prince  so  immediately  after- 
ward suddenly  took  the  resolution  to  depart?  " 

"  Most  gracious  sir,  four-and-twenty  hours  after  myself  the 
Chamberlain  von  Marwitz  arrived  at  The  Hague,  and  had  a 
long  conversation  with  the  Electoral  Prince.  Immediately 
after  that  the  Electoral  Prince  gave  orders  for  departure,  and 
three  hours  later  had  already  left  The  Hague." 

"  Now  it  seems,  therefore,  that  Baron  von  Marwitz  is  a 
very  persuasive  speaker,  who  well  understood  how  to  move  the 
Electoral  Prince's  heart,  and  to  lead  him  back  to  obedience  to 
his  father  and — myself.  I  shall  therefore  prove  my  gratitude 
to  Herr  von  Marwitz.  I  like  very  much  to  have  my  orders  and 
commissions  executed  punctiliously  and  exactly,  and  this  Herr 
von  Marwitz  has  done,  for  I  had  bidden  him  to  leave  no 
means  untried  whereby  the  Electoral  Prince  might  be  induced 
to  leave  Holland." 

A  crushing  glance  from  his  large  gray  eyes  as  he  uttered 
these  words  fell  full  upon  Gal)riel  ISTietzel's  pale  and  contrite 
face,  making  his  heart  quake  with  undefined  dread. 

"  Your  honor  is  very  angry  with  me  ?  "  he  asked  faintly. 

"You?"  exclaimed  the  count  in  astonishment.  "Why 
should  I  be  angry  with  you?  What  have  I  to  do  with  you? 
I  only  know  you  as  the  painter  ISTietzel,  who  sold  me  a  copy  for 
a  good  original,  and  whom  I  could  therefore  have  condemned 
to  the  gallows  as  a  falsifier  and  cheat.  But  you  know  I  have 
forgiven  you,  and  let  your  copy  be  valued  as  an  original.  I 
even  went  further  in  my  magnanimous  forgiveness;  I  had 
even  intrusted  you  with  commissions  for  Holland,  where  you 
were  to  visit  the  picture  galleries  in  order  to  make  copies.  You 
have  not  executed  my  commissions,  for  you  have  returned  home 
too  soon.  That  is  all,  and  therefore  all  connection  between  us 
is  dissolved.  Farewell,  Mr.  Court  Painter  Gabriel  Metzel; 
you  are  dismissed!  " 

He  haughtily  motioned  to  the  door,  turned  his  back  upon 


NEW  PLANS.  1(57 

the  painter,  and  slowly  traversed  the  apartment.  But  Gabriel 
Nietzel  did  not  go.  There  he  stood  as  if  rooted  to  the  spot, 
and  stared  fixedly  at  the  count,  who  walked  to  and  fro,  as  if 
lost  in  thought,  and  seemed  to  be  wholly  unconscious  that  the 
painter  had  dared  still  to  remain  in  his  presence.  After  a  long 
pause  his  eye  fell  quite  accidentally  on  the  spot  where  Gabriel 
Nietzel  stood,  and  he  started  as  if  in  sudden  terror. 

"Why,  you  still  here?"  he  asked.  "You  dare  to  brave 
me?  To  terrify  me  with  your  dull,  pale  face?  Have  you 
grown  deaf,  Mr.  Court  Painter?  Did  you  not  hear  me  dis- 
miss you?" 

"  I  heard,  but  your  honor  knows  that  I  can  not  go.  Your 
lordship  well  knows  that  from  your  lips  I  await  the  sentence 
which  is  to  seal  my  whole  future  fate,  and  that  I  will  not  leave 
this  room  until  I  have  received  this." 

"  How?  You  will  not  leave  this  room.  You  will  stay  al- 
though I  have  bidden  you  go  ?  Very  well,  then,  I  shall  call  my 
servants  and  have  you  put  out." 

And  already  the  count's  hand  was  stretched  forth  to  take 
his  silver  whistle.  But  Gabriel  Nietzel  dared  to  grasp  this 
hand  and  hold  it  firmly  between  both  liis  own. 

"  Pity,  gracious  sir,  pity!  "  he  pleaded.  "  Drive  me  from 
your  presence,  take  from  me  the  pension  you  most  condescend- 
ingly insured  to  me;  I  feel  that  I  am  indeed  undeserving  of 
your  favor  and  graciousness.  Only,  for  pity's  sake,  for  hu- 
manity's sake,  restore  to  me  my  own — give  me  mv  wiie  and 
child!" 

"  What  have  I  to  do  with  your  wife  and  child  ?  "  asked 
Count  Schwarzenberg  angrily.  "  Have  you  handed  them  over 
to  me?  Am  I  the  chief  of  an  asylum  for  deserted  women  and 
children  ?  " 

"  My  wife,  Sir  Count,  give  me  back  my  wife!  "  cried  Gabriel 
Nietzel,  sinking  down  upon  his  knees. 

"  I  know  nothing  about  her,  I  have  never  seen  her,"  said 
the  count. 

"  You  do  know  about  her,  your  excellency!  You  took  her 
and  my  dear,  precious  child  under  your  protection  when  I 
went  to  The  Hague.  You  had  my  wife  and  child  carried  to 
Spandow,  and  gave  them  an  abode  within  your  palace  there." 


IQQ  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

"  Now  I  see  plainly  that  you  speak  like  a  deranged  man, 
Master  Gabriel  Nietzel,"  cried  the  count  passionately.  "  Col- 
lect your  faculties,  man,  or  I  shall  immediately  have  you  ar- 
rested and  sent  to  a  madhouse.  I  repeat,  collect  your  faculties, 
and  utter  not  such  palpably  idle  tales.  Very  likely  that  1  should 
have  taken  your  wife  and  child  into  my  keeping.  Bethink, 
yourself,  Master  Gabriel  Nietzel,  be  rational,  and  remember 
that  you  are  happily  unincumbered  and  a  free  bachelor!  " 

"  No,  no,  I  am  not  free!  "  shrieked  Gabriel  Nietzel.  "■  I 
have  a  ^dfe,  I  have  a  child,  and  see  them  again  I  must!  Deliver 
them  up  to  me,  Sir  Count.  I  beseech  you  by  all  that  is  sacred 
— deliver  them  up  to  me!    I  must  have  my  wife  and  boy  again!  " 

"  Well  then,  go  and  look  for  them,"  said  Schwarzenberg 
composedly  "  Apply  to  the  police,  and  furnish  them  with  a 
description  of  both  their  persons.  Show  your  marriage 
license  and  your  child's  certificate  of  baptism,  that  every  one 
may  be  convinced  of  the  truth  of  your  deposition.  Then  write 
a  description  of  your  wife,  or,  as  you  are  a  painter,  draw  a  like- 
ness of  her,  publish  her  name  and  family,  call  upon  her  rela- 
tives to  render  you  their  assistance,  and  in  that  way,  if  you 
really  have  a  wife,  you  will  in  the  end  succeed  in  discovering 
her." 

"  Sir  Count,  you  well  know  that  I  can  not  do  so,"  groaned 
Gabriel  Nietzel.  "  You  well  know  that  I  am  a  poor,  riiined 
man,  entirely  in  your  power.  I  beseech  you,  have  mercy  upon 
me !  Eestore  to  me  my  wife  and  child,  and  I  will  do  all  that  you 
require  of  me.  Give  me  back  my  wife,  and  I  swear  to  you  that 
I  will  do  here  what  I  was  to  have  done  on  the  journey.  I  swear 
to  you  that  I  \\all  make  good  what  I  missed,  that  I " 

"  I  do  not  believe  your  oaths,  Gabriel  Nietzel,"  interposed 
the  count.  "  You  are  liberal  with  your  oaths  and  promises,  but 
come  short  in  deeds,  in  performances.  Nobody  will  pay  for  a 
picture  before  he  has  seen  it,  or  at  least  a  sketch  of  the  same. 
Therefore  take  yourself  off,  devise  a  plan,  sketch  your  outline, 
and  bring  it  to  me.  If  it  pleases  me,  and  is  practicable,  if  I  see 
that  you  are  zealous  and  well  disposed,  then  will  I  gladly  aid 
you  in  its  execution  and  pay  you  in  princely  style.  That  is  my 
last  word.  Master  Court  Painter  Gabriel  Nietzel,  and  now  go, 
and  do  not  show  your  face  here  again  until  you  can  show  me 


NEW  PLANS.  169 

tliat  sketch.  You  have  understood  me,  have  you  not,  Master 
Gabriel  Nietzel?  I  bespeak  a  picture,  and  you  are  to  furnish 
me  with  a  sketch  of  it;  then,  as  you  are  in  want,  I  shall  gladly 
pay  you  for  it  in  advance." 

"  Yes,  I  have  understood  your  lordship,"  said  Gabriel  Niet- 
zel,  heaving  a  deep  sigh.  "  1  know  a  subject  for  the  painting 
you  have  ordered,  and  will  make  a  sketch  of  it.  You  shall  not 
have  to  wait  long  for  it." 

"  It  is  a  fine  subject,"  said  Schwarzenberg  quietly.  "  We 
might  call  it  the  murder  of  Julius  Caesar." 

"  No,  it  is  the  execution  of  the  Emperor  Conrad  III — 
the  execution  and  murder  of  the  last  Hohen-Hohenstaufen," 
sobbed  the  painter,  while  tears  fell  in  clear  streams  from  his 
eyes. 

"  I  believe  another  paroxysm  of  insanity  has  seized  you," 
said  the  count  contemptuously.  "  How  can  any  one  weep  mere- 
ly because  he  will  represent  a  tragic  scene?  What  is  the  last  of 
the  Hohenstaufens  to  you?  You  depict  his  death,  and  if  the 
painting  is  a  success  I  shall  reward  you  handsomely  for  it,  give 
you  a  splendid  income,  and  then  you  can  go  to  Italy,  the  home 
of  all  artists,  to  spend  the  remainder  of  your  life  there  in  pleas- 
ure and  freedom." 

"  It  shall  be  just  as  your  excellency  says,"  sighed  Gabriel. 
"  Only,  your  excellency,  only  be  so  gracious  as  to  give  me  back 
my  wife  and  child." 

"  I  said  so,  your  paroxysm  of  madness  is  coming  on  afresh!  " 
cried  Schwarzenberg,  shrugging  his  shoulders.  "  Man.  are  you 
really  beside  yourself? — have  you  lost  your  senses?  Do  you 
demand  your  wife  and  child  of  me,  of  Count  Adam  von 
Schwarzenberg,  the  Stadth older  in  the  Mark?  Go  away  with 
your  follies.  Be  off,  so  that  you  can  make  your  sketch,  and 
when  you  come  back,  and  it  is  good,  you  will  perhaps  find  me 
inclined  to  answer  all  your  silly  questions  for  you!  " 

"  Sir  Count,  oh,  for  God's  sake,  let  me  at  least  see  my  Re- 
becca once  more! " 

"  Rebecca!  your  wife's  name  is  Rebecca?  Why,  that  really 
sounds  as  if  she  were  a  Jewess.  And  you  say  that  she  is  your 
wife?  Ah,  repeat  that  again,  then  name  the  priest  who  cele- 
brated your  nuptials  and  united  a  Christian  to  a  Jewess!    By 


170  THE   HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

!     I  shall  bring  this  evildoer  to  a  strict  account,  and  he 


shall  be  degraded  from  his  office  as  a  criminal  and  blot  upon 
the  Church,  for  he  has  sinned  against  God,  the  Church, 
and  his  Sovereign!  Gabriel  Nietzel,  name  the  priest  who  mar- 
ried you  to  a  Jewess!  " 

"  I  can  not  name  him,"  murmured  Metzel,  almost  inaudi- 
bly.  "  Sir  Count,  I  will  be  obedient  and  diligent  in  your  serv- 
ice. I  am  a  wretched  sinner,  and  must  expiate  my  crime.  I 
shall  do  penance,  too,  and  will  be  nothing  more  than  a  tool  in 
your  hands.  Only  have  mercy  upon  me.  Let  me  at  least  see 
my  wife  and  child,  if  I  may  not  speak  to  them!  I  only  wish  to 
see  them,  in  order  to  gain  courage  and  strength  for  my  difficult 
and  dangerous  undertaking." 

The  count  reflected  for  a  moment,  his  eyes  fastened  upon 
Gabriel  Metzel's  countenance,  whose  imploring,  anxious  ex- 
pression seemed  to  touch  him. 

"  I  have  in  my  house  at  Spandow,"  he  said,  after  a  long 
pause,  "  a  beautiful  painting  by  Albrecht  Diirer.  It  was,  un- 
fortunately, a  little  injured  in  the  transportation,  and  you  shall 
restore  it  for  me.  To-morrow  morning  repair  to  Spandow, 
and  ask  for  me.  I  shall  be  there,  and  will  myself  put  the  paint- 
ing in  your  charge.  Perhaps  you  will  see  there  another  paint- 
ing besides,  which  will  please  you,  and  which,  perhaps,  is  not 
unknown  to  you." 

Gabriel  Metzel  took  the  count's  proffered  hand,  and  with 
joyful  impatience  pressed  it  to  his  lips. 

"  Sir  Count,  I  will  be  your  servant,  your  slave,  your  crea- 
ture. I  will  damn  my  soul  for  you  and  suffer  the  torture  of  per- 
petual flames  if  you  will  only  give  back  to  me  my  wife  and 
child!  " 

"Master  Court  Painter,"  said  Schwarzenberg,  parodying 
his  words,  "  I  shall  make  you  a  rich  and  distinguished  man. 
I  shall  send  you  to  Italy,  and  you  will  enjoy  the  heavenly  flres 
of  the  Italian  sky.  if  you  will  only  bring  me  the  sketch  ordered, 
and  prove  to  me  that  you  are  in  earnest  as  to  its  execution." 

Gabriel  Metzel  laughed  aloud  in  the  joy  of  his  heart. 

"  Your  highness  shall  not  have  long  to  wait.  I  will  very 
soon  have  the  sketch  at  your  excellency's  disposal." 

"  We  shall  see,"  said  the  count,  with  a  slight  nod  of  his 


COUNT  JOHN  ADOLPHUS  VON  SCHWARZENBERG.  171 

head.  '•'  And  now  that  we  have  understood  one  another,  and 
you  have  somewhat  recovered  your  reason,  now  for  the  last 
time  I  tell  you,  you  are  dismissed!  " 

Gabriel  Nietzel  bowed  low,  and  strode  through  the  apart- 
ment toward  the  door  of  entrance,  reverentially  going  back- 
ward that  he  might  not  turn  his  back  upon  the  high-born,  all- 
powerful  count.  He  had  almost  reached  the  door,  when  it 
was  opened  and  a  valet  appeared,  who  announced  in  a  loud 
voice: 

"  His  honor  Count  John  Adolphus  von  Schwarzenberg!  " 

"  My  son!  "  exclaimed  the  count.  "  He  has  returned? 
Where  is  he?     Where?  " 

"  His  honor  has  just  gone  to  his  apartments  to  divest  him- 
self of  his  traveling  clothes,  but  with  your  liighness's  permis- 
sion he  will  be  here  in  a  few  minutes." 

"  Tell  the  count,  that  I  expect  him  with  impatience,"  cried 
the  father.  The  valet  hurried  out,  and  Gabriel  Nietzel  was  in 
the  act  of  following  Mm,  when  Schwarzenberg  called  him 
back. 

"  Do  not  go  out  that  way  now,"  he  said;  "  my  son  is  com- 
ing, and  it  is  not  worth  while  for  Mm  to  see  you.  Go  through 
yonder  door.  It  leads  to  a  corridor,  and  there  you  will  find  a 
small  staircase  by  wMch  you  can  descend  to  the  court.    Go!  " 


n. — Count  Johx  Adolphus  von   Schwaezenberg. 

"  I  THINK  I  have  distressed  and  tormented  him  enough," 
said  the  count  to  himself;  "he  will  devise  some  means  of 
gratifying  my  wishes,  and  in  his  despair  will  risk  everything 
in  order  to  obtain  his  wife  and  child.  It  is  well  that  men  have 
hearts,  for  they  supply  the  most  convenient  handles  for  seizing 
hold  of  them  and  managing  them.  And  for  tbat  reason  men 
without  susceptible  hearts  always  become  rulers,  conquerors. 
Therefore  have  I  become  great  and  powerful,  and  will  ascend 
yet  higher,  grow  yet  more  mighty,  for  I,  thank  God!  I  have 
no  heart!    I  have  never  been  a  victim  to  the  silly  vagaries  of 


JY2  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

au  enamored  heart,  never  made  a  fool  of  myself  for  any  woman; 
never  have  I  felt  my  heart  moved  by  any  other  desire  than  that 
of  attaining  a  pre-eminent  position  and  becoming  a  great  man. 
Such  I  have  become,  but  I  would  mount  yet  higher,  and  in  this 
— in  this  that  enamored  fool  Gabriel  Nietzel  shall  assist  me." 

The  count  grew  suddenly  silent,  and  looked  toward  the 
door.  In  the  antechamber  he  had  heard  the  sound  of  a  voice 
familiar  and  grateful  to  his  ears,  a  voice  which  awakened  in 
his  breast  a  rare  and  unwonted  feeling  of  joy  and  happiness. 

"  My  son,"  he  murmured,  "  yes,  it  is  my  son.  I  really  be- 
lieve that  I  have  a  heart  at  last,  for  I  feel  it  beat  higher  just 
now,  and  feel  that  it  is  a  happiness  to  have  a  son!  " 

He  hastily  crossed  the  room,  and  had  almost  reached  the 
door,  when  it  suddenly  opened  and  revealed  the  presence  of 
a  tall  and  slender  young  man,  dressed  in  the  elegant  Spanish 
garb,  such  as  was  worn  at  the  court  of  the  German  Emperor 
Ferdinand  III. 

"  Father,  dear  father!  "  he  cried,  with  a  voice  full  of  tender- 
ness, and  with  outstretched  arms  he  sped  toward  his  father  to 
press  him  to  his  heart.  Count  Adam  von  Schwarzenberg  smil- 
ingly submitted,  and  an  infinite  feeling  of  satisfaction  pene- 
trated his  whole  being  under  the  warm  pressure  of  his  only 
son's  embrace.  But  only  one  short  instant  did  he  yield  to 
this  sensation,  for  he  was  ashamed  of  his  weakness,  and  gently 
extricated  himself  from  his  son's  arms. 

"  Here  you  are  again,  you  gadabout  and  rover!  "  he  said; 
but  he  could  not  subdue  the  brighter  glistening  of  his  eyes, 
as  they  fastened  themselves  upon  his  son's  handsome,  spirited, 
and  youthful  face. 

"  Yes,  here  I  am  again,  cher  et  aimable  pere,^''  exclaimed 
the  young  man,  laughing;  "but  you  do  me  great  injustice 
by  calling  me  a  gadabout  and  rover,  for,  indeed,  I  have  only 
traveled  on  most  serious  and  proper  business,  and  it  strikes 
me  that  I  am  vastly  to  be  feared  and  honored  in  my  capacity 
of  imperial  treasurer  and  member  of  the  Aulic  council." 

"  What?  "  cried  Count  Adam  joyfull}^  "  the  Emperor  has 
conferred  upon  you  such  a  high  favor  and  honored  you  with 
such  lofty  titles?  " 

The  young  count  nodded  assent.  "  In  me  he  has  honored 


COUNT  JOHN  ADOLPHUS  VON  SCHWARZENBERG.  173 

my  father's   son,"  said   he,  "  and   distinguished    me    out  of 
veneration  and  respect  for  you." 

'■  You  are  far  too  modest,  my  son,"  cried  the  count,  smil- 
ing. "  What  the  Emperor  Ferdinand  has  done  for  you  he  did 
not  for  your  father's  son,  but  in  deference  to  your  own  merits." 
"  Please,  oh  please,  let  us  talk  no  more  on  the  subject," 
said  the  young  man.  "  You  will  not  succeed  in  altering  my 
opinion,  especially  as  I  had  it  from  the  exalted  mouth  of  his 
Imperial  Majesty  himself,  that  he  gladly  distinguished  the  son 
of  so  noble,  gifted,  and  faithful  a  servant  as  Count  Adam 
Schwarzenberg  had  ever  been  to  the  imperial  house,  and  in 
consideration  thereof  bestowed  upon  him  the  dignity  of  im- 
perial treasurer,  and  nominated  him  independently  of  indi\ad- 
ual  merit  a  member  of  the  Aulic  council.  I  beg  you  to  observe, 
my  noble  and  highly  deserving  count,  that  your  son  has  fallen 
heir  to  his  honors  without  individual  merit,  whence  it  natu- 
rally follows  that  I  am  a  worthless  treasurer,  and  wholly  de- 
void of  merit  as  a  member  of  the  Aulic  council." 

"  Well,"  laughed  his  father,  "  then  I  must  console  you  with 
this,  Adolphus,  that  you  are  besides  that  my  coadjutor  in  my 
office  of  Cxrand  Master  of  the  Knights  of  St.  John,  and  that 
I  entertain  the  fixed  determination  of  soon  seeing  you  share 
with  me  the  Stadtholdership  of  the  Mark." 

"  I  assure  you,  I  need  no  consolation  whatever!  "  cried 
Count  Adolphus  Schwarzenberg.  "  I  am  your  son,  and  that  is 
as  much  as  if  I  were  the  fair  Danae,  and  had  a  shower  of  gold 
perpetually  poured  out  upon  me." 

"  You  would  deceive  me,"  said  Count  Adam,  gently  shak- 
ing his  head.  "  You  would  have  me  believe  that  you  are 
satisfied  with  being  my  son,  and  have  no  personal  ambition  for 
yourself." 

"  It  is  no  deception,  clier  pere,^^  laughed  the  young  man. 
"  I  really  do  not  give  myself  the  trouble  to  have  personal  am- 
bition beforehand.  I  behold  my  much-loved  father  standing 
in  the  sunshine  of  renown,  and  I  quite  composedly  allow  a 
few  stray  beams  from  his  splendor  to  alight  upon  myself.  I 
would  not  say,  though,  that  T  am  wholly  devoid  of  ambition.  I 
only  avoid  talking  about  it  till  the  time  comes." 

"  My  son,  the  time  is  come,"  said  Count  Adam  quickly. 


174  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

"  Yes,  the  time  for  ambition  is  come  with  you,  too,  and  to-day 
we  must  discuss  it  at  length.  But  first  tell  me  what  news  do 
you  bring  me  from  Vienna?  Come,  let  us  sit  down,  and  confer 
with  one  another  like  two  grave  politicians  and  diplomatists." 
He  took  his  son's  arm  and  led  him  toward  the  divan. 

"  God  forbid,  Sir  Stadtholder,  that  I,  a  mere  tyro  in 
diplomacy  and  politics,  should  venture  to  seat  myself  at  your 
side,"  cried  Count  Adolphus.  "  No,  father,  I  know  my  place, 
and  you  must  indeed  permit  me  to  take  my  station  at  a  rever- 
ential distance  from  you." 

He  took  one  of  the  little  gold-embroidered  footstools 
which  stood  near  the  divan  and  seated  himself  opposite  his 
father.  Count  Adam  looked  upon  him  with  a  proud  yet  gentle 
smile,  and  seemed  to  have  his  own  pleasure  in  his  son's  hand- 
some and  imposing  appearance. 

"  I  should  like  to  know  whether  you  resemble  me,"  he  said 
thoughtfully;  "  I  should  like  to  know  whether  I  was  ever  such 
a  lively,  jovial  young  man." 

"  You  are  more  than  that,  most  respected  father,"  cried 
his  son;  "  you  were  handsome  and  possessed  of  irresistible 
attractions.    I  know  that,  for  you  are  still  so." 

"  So,  it  seems  that  my  son  has  learned  to  flatter  at  the  im- 
perial court!  " 

"  No,  no;  I  speak  the  truth,  and  I  swear  that  every  one 
who  has  the  good  fortune  to  be  admitted  to  your  presence 
will  confirm  my  testimony.  You  understand  the  art  of  fasci- 
nating men,  and  once  let  any  one  love  you,  then  you  can  never 
be  forgottten.  The  Emperor  Ferdinand  spoke  of  you  with 
genuine  admiration,  and  Princess  Lobkowitz  assured  me  that 
you  were  the  only  man  whom  she  had  ardently  and  truly  loved. 
And  yet  they  say  that  Princess  Lobkowitz  has  had  many  ad- 
mirers and  still  has." 

"  Princess  Lobkowitz!  "  repeated  Count  Adam  thought- 
fully— "  how  fine  that  sounds.  Princess  Lobkowitz!  Yet  I 
well  remember  the  time  when  Lobkowitz  was  quite  a  poor,  in- 
considerable count,  who  esteemed  himself  peculiarly  happy 
when  I  lent  him  some  of  my  pocket  money,  which,  by  the 
bye,  I  never  saw  again.  We  were  both  at  that  time  pages  at 
the  court  of  Emperor  Ferdinand  I,  and  swore  eternal  friend- 


COUNT  JOHN  ADOLPHUS  VON  SCHV^^ARZENBERG.  175 

ship.  But  how  vain  are  such  oaths!  I  afterward  left  the 
imperial  court  and  came  to  the  court  of  Cleves,  and  thence 
here  to  Prussia.  I  have  restlessly  labored,  and  may  well  say 
that  I  have  wielded  the  helm  of  state  in  this  country  for 
twenty  years,  and — am  still  nothing  but  plain  Count  Schwarz- 
enberg!  The  little,  insignificant  Count  Lobkowitz,  on  the 
other  hand,  has  now  become  a  Prince  through  the  Emperor's 
favor,  as  have  also  Eggenberg,  Liechtenstein,  and  Fiirsten- 
berg." 

"  You  shall  be  a  Prince,  too,  father,"  said  Count  Adolphus 
softly.  "  Yes,  without  doubt,  you  have  only  to  hint  your  wish 
to  receive  the  title  of  Prince,  and  the  Emperor  Ferdinand  will 
gladly  remunerate  you  in  that  way,  if  he  first  sees  his  own 
desires  fulfilled  through  you." 

The  count  started,  and  cast  an  inquisitive,  questioning 
look  upon  his  son.  "  I  thank  you,  Adolphus,"  said  he,  "  you 
have  led  back  our  conversation,  or  rather,  my  lord  treasurer, 
our  conference,  to  the  subject  in  point,  in  a  manner  as  tender 
as  diplomatic.  Yes,  the  question  is,  first  of  all,  to  learn  what 
news  you  bring  for  me  from  his  Majesty,  and  what  orders  the 
Emperor  has  to  give  me." 

"  First  of  all,  cher  pere,  the  Emperor  wishes  that  every 
possible  obstruction  be  interposed  to  prevent  the  Electoral 
Prince's  marriage  with  the  Princess  of  the  Palatinate,  and 
that,  if  practicable,  the  Electoral  Prince  be  deterred  from 
forming  any  matrimonial  connection.  It  would  greatly  com- 
plicate affairs  if  the  Electoral  Prince  should  chance  to  have 
offspring  soon,  and  thereby  outwardly  give  more  firmness 
and  durability  to  the  house  of  Brandenburg." 

The  count's  eyes  flashed  upon  his  son's  countenance,  which 
still  preserved  its  placid,  innocent  expression.  "  Who  told 
you  that?"  said  he.  "Who  spoke  such  strange,  mysterious 
words?    ISTot  the  Emperor,  no,  he  can  not  have  said  that!  " 

"  Xo,  but  the  Emperor's  most  confidential  adviser,  tnio 
padre  amafo,  the  venerable  father  confessor  and  Jesuit,  Signor 
Silvio.  By  the  way,  I  regard  him  as  a  man  turned  serpent, 
and  would  avoid  exposing  a  shoeless  heel  to  him.  But  one 
thing  is  certain,  that  he  has  the  Emperor's  ear  not  only  in  the 
confessional,  but  in  the  council  chamber  as  well,  and  what  he 


17G  THE   HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

says  is  just  as  good  as  if  the  Emperor  himself  said  it.  For  the 
rest,  they  affirm  at  the  imperial  court  that  he  is  a  sorcerer, 
and  can  look  through  men's  eyes  straight  into  their  hearts 
and  decipher  what  is  therein  as  plainly  and  distinctly  as  if 
it  was  written  on  parchment  in  German  text." 

"  I  believe  it  is  so,"  murmured  the  count.  "  I  believe 
he  has  read  into  my  heart,  too.  But  further,  further,  my  son! 
What  more  did  Father  Silvio  say  to  you?  " 

"  He  spoke  much  of  the  weak  and  uncertain  condition 
of  the  Electoral  house  of  Brandenburg,  which  he  said  rested 
upon  only  two  lives,  and  would  be  extinct  if  the  Electoral 
Prince  Frederick  William  should  perish  by  a  sudden  death." 

The  count  started,  and  a  gray  pallor  overspread  his  face. 
His  son,  absorbed  in  his  own  discourse,  observed  it  not  and 
continued:  ''  I  ventured  meanwhile  to  differ  from  the  wise 
father,  and  reminded  him  that  seven  cousins  and  blood  rela- 
tions were  still  in  existence,  to  give  permanence  to  the  Elec- 
tor's family,  and  thereby  lessen  very  greatly  the  weakness 
of  the  Brandenburg-Hohenzollerns.  But  Father  Silvio  smiled 
almost  compassionately  at  this  remark  of  mine,  and  said 
in  a  tone  of  lofty  superiority:  '  Young  man,  your  father  will 
be  a  better  judge  of  this;  only  repeat  my  words  to  him:  that 
the  Emperor  will  not  admit  the  claims  of  the  collateral 
branches  of  the  Electoral  house,  and  if  unfortunately  the 
Electoral  Prince  of  Brandenburg  should  die  without  descend- 
ants, he  will  consider  the  Electoral  Mark  as  an  unincumbered 
fief,  which  the  Emperor  of  Germany,  in  the  plenitude  of  his 
power  and  as  an  act  of  free  grace,  might  bestow  on  another 
prince.' " 

Count  Adam  Schwarzenberg  sprang  up,  and  for  a  moment 
his  eyes  rested  with  a  penetrating  expression  upon  his  son's 
countenance.  Then  he  turned  and  began  to  move  violently 
to  and  fro.  Now  it  was  his  son's  turn  to  fix  his  eyes  piercingly 
upon  him.  When  the  count  turned  again,  however,  there 
was  no  trace  of  excitement  visible  on  the  young  man's  counte- 
nance, and  with  a  friendly  smile  he  looked  at  his  father.  Count 
Adam  stepped  close  up  to  him,  and  laid  his  hand  on  his  son's 
shoulder. 

"  You  did  not  remind  wise  Father  Silvio,  then,"  he  asked, 


COUNT  JOHN  ADOLPHUS  VON   SCHWA RZENBERG.  177 

"  that  the  Elector  George  William  has,  besides  his  son,  two 
daughters?  That  there  are  two  Electoral  Princesses — Char- 
lotte Louise  and  the  young  Sophy  Hed\v'ig?  " 

"  No,  father,"  replied  Count  Adolphus  carelessly,  "  no, 
I  did  not.  I  deemed  that  superfluous,  because  in  the  Branden- 
burg Electoral  house  women  have  no  right  to  the  succession. 
The  Salic  law  exists  here,  does  it  not?  " 

"  As  if  laws  could  not  be  altered!  "  cried  Count  Adam. 
"  As  if  the  Emperor  were  not  here  to  give  new  laws!  My  son, 
let  us  speak  openly  and  candidly  to  one  another,  and  answer 
me  one  question:  On  what  terms  are  you  with  the  Princess 
Charlotte  Louise?" 

The  young  man  started,  and  for  a  moment  a  deep  blush 
suffused  his  cheeks.  "  I  do  not  understand  you,  father.  What 
do  you  mean ?    On  what  terms  should  I  be  with  the  Princess?  '* 

"John  Adolphus,  you  understand  me  well  enough,  and 
know  what  I  mean,"  returned  Count  Schwarzenberg  smiling. 
'■'When  I  ask  on  what  terms  you  are  with  the  Princess 
Charlotte  Louise,  I  mean  by  that,  what  progress  have  you  made 
in  her  good  graces?  " 

An  almost  imperceptible  smile  flitted  across  the  young 
count's  visage.  "  Well,"  he  said,  "  the  ladies  of  the  Electoral 
house  have  ever  been  most  condescending  in  their  manner 
to  me.  Princess  Charlotte  Louise  no  less  than  her  mother  and 
sister,  and,  as  I  have  done  nothing  to  forfeit  their  favor,  I  hope 
that  upon  my  return  they  will  receive  me  as  graciously  as  they 
dismissed  me  before  I  left  home." 

"My  son,"  said  Count  Adam  seriously,  "you  answer  me 
evasively,  and  that  is  not  well.  We  two  are  made  to  support 
each  other,  and  to  go  hand  in  hand  in  the  difficult  path  which 
lies  before  us.  For  you  know  as  well  as  I  do  that  our  safety 
is  imperiled  when  the  Electoral  Prince  again  makes  his  appear- 
ance at  court,  and  we  will  henceforth  find  many  stones  of 
stumbling  in  our  way." 

"P)Ut  my  wise  and  puissant  father  will  remove  all  such 
obstructions,"  cried  the  son,  willi  a  merry  laugh.  "Let  the 
Electoral  Prince  throw  ever  so  many  stones  in  our  way,  we 
can  pick  them  up,  and  your  honor  will  find  opportunity  to  hurl 
them  back  at  the  little  Prince,  the  last  scion  of  his  house." 


178  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

"  I  shall  find  opportunity,  and,  by  heavens,  I  will  make 
use  of  it." 

"  And  if  my  gracious  father  can  or  will  make  use  of  me  in 
picking  up  the  stones,  or  maybe  in  throwing  them,  I  am  most 
heartily  at  his  service.  Your  honor  needs  only  to  direct.  I 
shall  aim  well,  and  hope  to  hit  the  mark." 

"  My  son,  verily,  you  are  a  great  diplomatist,"  cried 
Schwarzenberg,  "  and  many  an  one  who  esteems  himself  an  old 
adept  in  this  art  might  take  lessons  from  you.  How  cleverly 
you  managed  to  evade  the  question  I  put  to  you,  and  lead  tlie 
conversation  into  a  different  channel!  But  I  must  recur  to  my 
question,  and,  since  you  will  throw  stones  subject  to  my  direc- 
tion, then,  my  son,  I  tell  you  that  your  relations  with  the 
Princess  Charlotte  Louise  may  become  a  most  effective  mis- 
sile against  the  Electoral  Prince,  which,  if  you  aim  it  accurate- 
ly, may  inflict  a  deadly  blow  upon  the  Prince.  Therefore,  my 
fine  son,  answer  my  question  honestly:  On  what  terms  are 
you  with  the  Princess  Charlotte  Louise?  " 

A  cloud  of  displeasure  flitted  across  the  young  count's  lofty 
and  open  brow,  and  his  cheerful  countenance  became  over- 
shadowed with  gloom. 

"  My  God!  "  he  said,  "  what  on  earth  has  the  Princess  to 
do  with  politics?  " 

"  A  great  deal,  my  son.  Let  me  remind  you  of  Father 
Silvio's  words,  which  you  yourself  reported  to  me.  The  father 
had  me  informed  that  in  case  of  the  Electoral  Prince's  dying 
without  heirs,  his  Majesty  would  not  recognize  the  claims  of 
the  other  branches  of  the  house  of  Brandenburg,  but  would 
consider  the  Electoral  Mark  as  a  vacant  fief,  which  he  might 
bestow  elsewhere  as  matter  of  favor.  The  simplest  and  most 
natural  thing  will  be,  if  there  is  no  longer  any  son  living,  to 
pass  the  right  of  succession  to  the  daughter,  and  for  the  Em- 
peror to  declare  the  eldest  daughter  of  the  Elector  George 
William  rightful  successor,  and  to  transmit  the  Electoral 
Mark  Brandenburg  to  herself  and  her  husband  as  an  act  of 
grace." 

"  Those  are  very  great  and  very  far-seeing  plans,"  mur- 
mured the  young  man,  with  downcast  eyes. 

"  But  plans  which  may  be  realized,"  interposed  his  father 


COUNT  JOHN  ADOLPHUS  VOX  SCHWARZENBERG.  179 

hastily — "  plans  which  you  have  very  maturely  weighed  in 
your  prudent  brain,  for — I  shall  answer  my  own  question  my- 
self— for  you  are  on  very  good  terms  with  Princess  Charlotte 
Louise.  You  have  calculated  very  wisely  and  very  correctly. 
The  Princess  loves  you,  and  may  bring  you  an  electorship  as 
a  bridal  gift." 

"  God  forbid  that  I  should  play  a  criminal  game  with  the 
Princess's  heart!  "  cried  Count  i^dolphus,  in  tones  louder  and 
more  energetic  than  he  had  yet  employed.  "  You  accuse  me 
falsely,  most  gracious  sir.  It  has  never  come  into  my  mind 
to  speculate  on  such  a  bridal  gift,  or  to  make  of  love  a  calcula- 
tion." 

Count  Adam  gazed  with  an  expression  of  painful  astonish- 
ment upon  the  excited  countenance  of  his  son.  "  Unhappy 
boy,  you  love  the  Princess,  then?  "  he  asked. 

"  Yes,"  exclaimed  the  young  man  vehemently — "  yes, 
I  love  her!  I  should  love  her  were  she  a  simple  village  maiden. 
I  should  seek  to  win  her  were  she  of  obscure  and  humble 
parentage,  if  she  could  present  me  with  nothing  but  her  heart, 
her  affectionate  nature,  her  charming  self.  Learn  now,  father, 
on  what  terms  I  stand  with  the  Princess:  I  love  her,  love 
her  passionately!  " 

"Ah,  my  son,  how  well  this  enthusiasm  becomes  you!" 
said  his  father.  "  How  happy  the  Princess  would  be  if  she 
coidd  see  you  with  those  fiery  glances  flashing  from  your 
large  bright  eyes!  My  son,  you  will  surpass  me,  for  you  have 
one  great  advantage  over  me,  you  have  received  from  Nature 
a  glorious  endowment  denied  to  me;  you  have  a  tender  heart! 
You  either  feel  glowing  love  or — maybe  simulate,  and  act 
it  to  the  life!  We  will  not  discuss  this  further;  I  only  repeat 
it,  you  are  destined  to  surpass  me.  You  love  the  Princess 
Charlotte  Louise!  I  thank  you  for  this  one  confession,  but 
add  to  it  a  second,  Adolphus.  Tell  me  whether  the  Princess 
returns  your  love?" 

"I  have  not  ventured  to  put  this  question  to  her,"  replied 
Count  Adolphus,  with  downcast  eyes.  "  Tbe  Princess  is  so 
high  above  me,  is  so  pure  and  virtuous,  that  it  would  be  a  sin 
to  tempt  her  innocence  and  virtue  by  the  avowal  of  an  unsanc- 
tioned love!  " 


180  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

"  My  son!  "  exclaimed  the  count,  smiling,  "  you  are  a  pat- 
tern of  discretion  and  modesty.  You  amaze,  you  delight  me. 
You  have  not  ventured,  and  will  not  venture  to  declare  your 
love  to  the  Princess  ?  " 

"  ISTo,  father,  at  least,  not  so  long  as  it  is  an  unsanctioned 
love — so  long  as  I  do  not  know  whether  it  has  your  approval, 
and  through  you  the  Elector's." 

"  You  would  step  surely,  you  would  engage  in  no  under- 
taking that  does  not  promise  good  results!  Ah,  I  understand 
now — I  comprehend  all  now.  I  have  an  irresistible  desire  to 
embrace  you,  and  I  know  you  will  pardon  your  father  for  this 
one  ebullition  of  tenderness.  Come  to  my  heart,  my  great, 
my  admirable  son !  " 

He  flung  his  arms  around  his  son's  neck  and  imprinted 
a  warm  kiss  upon  his  lips. 

"  Count  John  Adolphus  Schwarzenberg,"  he  said  then, 
"  with  this  kiss  I  give  you  my  consent  to  woo  the  Princess 
Charlotte  Louise!  With  this  kiss  I  promise  so  to  work  upon 
and  bend  the  Elector's  heart,  that  he  will  give  you  the  Prin- 
cess's hand,  and  agree  to  your  union." 

"  My  dear  father,  you  open  indeed  to  me  the  gate  of  para- 
dise. But  this  gate  has  two  wings,  and  if  I  would  gain  admit- 
tance, both  wings  must  open  to  me." 

"  Oh,  you  mean  the  IClectress?  She  will  certainly  be  very 
much  opposed  to  such  a  union,  for  she  has  a  proud  and  willful 
heart,  over  which  no  one  has  any  influence  except  the  Electoral 
Prince,  and  he,  indeed,  will  not  use  his  influence  in  our  be- 
half. Well,  there  is  nothing  for  it  but  to  oppose  force  to  force, 
and  to  constrain  the  dear  lady  to  give  her  consent.  To  employ 
such  coercive  measures  is  your  affair,  my  son!  " 

"  You  empower  me  to  do  so,  father?  You  will  not  refuse 
me  your  support?    You  will  not  disavow  my  acts?  " 

"  I  empower  you  to  do  everything  you  think  needful,  and 
you  will  find  me  a  faithful  ally,  for  I  recognize  Joyfully  in 
you  my  trusty  coadjutor,  and  see  that  we  may  count  upon  each 
other.'"' 

"  I  shall  ever  esteem  it  a  sacred  and  delightful  duty  to  obey 
you,  my  much-loved  father,  and  I  shall  joyfully  hold  myself 
ready  to  carry  out  your  wishes." 


COUNT  JOHN  ADOLPHUS  VON  SCHWARZENBERG.  181 

-'  And  you  will  do  well  in  this,  my  son,"  said  Count  Adam 
Schwarzenberg,  with  a  hearty  pressure  of  the  hand.  "  All 
that  I  do  for  myself  is  also  done  for  you,  all  that  I  obtain  is 
for  your  profit  and  advantage.  You  are  my  heir,  to  you 
will  descend  all  my  earthly  possessions,  my  name,  my  renown, 
my  dignities  and  oihces,  my  money  and  estates." 

"  Cher  pere,''  cried  the  young  nian,  "  let  us  not  speak  of 
such  solemn  things.  I  hope  that  it  will  be  a  long  time  yet 
ere  I  enter  upon  that  great  and  sad  inheritance." 

"  I  hope  so,  too,"  said  Count  Adam,  with  animation  of 
manner.  "  I  would  leave  you  all  in  perfect  condition,  and  to 
effect  this  much  labor  is  yet  required.  I  have  set  myself  a 
mighty  task,  and  it  is  yet  far  from  its  accomplishment." 

"  And  yet  you  have  already  conducted  and  executed  mat- 
ters so  grandly,  so  admirably,  father!  You  have  no  idea 
with  what  rapture  they  think  of  you  and  your  performances 
at  the  imperial  court.  Emperor  Ferdinand  spoke  of  you  as 
his  most  trusted  and  beloved  servant,  and  Father  Silvio  called 
you  a  lamp  of  the  faith  and  a  faithful  son  of  the  Church, 
through  whom  many  will  yet  be  saved." 

"  Yes,  many  shall  yet  be  brought  within  the  ark  of  safety 
by  my  means!  "  cried  Count  Adam,  in  a  lively  manner.  '"  I 
know  what  I  purpose,  I  know  the  great  aims  after  which  I 
have  striven  for  twenty  years  with  intrepid  spirit,  with  ardor 
never  to  be  chilled.  My  son,  with  you  I  make  no  secret  of  my 
aims,  and  you  must  know  them,  that  you  may  stand  unflinch- 
ing at  my  side.  It  is  true.  I  am  ambitious.  I  thirst  for  fame; 
it  is  true,  I  have  labored  for  myself  and  forwarded  my  own 
personal  interests  as  much  as  I  could.  My  aims,  however, 
are  not  restricted  to  these  private  interests,  they  are  higher, 
nobler!  I  am  the  faithful  servant  and  subject  of  my  Emperor 
and  lord;  I  am  the  believing  and  zealous  son  of  our  holy 
Church.  To  the  Emperor  and  the  Church  belong  the  fruits 
of  my  striving  and  my  energy,  and  to  promote  the  greatness 
and  consideration  of  both  is  the  ultimate  object  of  all  my 
labors  and  all  my  schemes." 

"  And  I,  most  gracious  father,  will  take  my  station  firmly 
at  your  side,"  said  Count  Adolphus  fervently.  "You  will 
ever  find  in  me  an  attentive  pupil,  eager  to  learn." 


182  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE, 

"  We  have  both  a  great  mission  to  fulfill,"  exclaimed 
Count  Adam,  "  and  it  is  well  for  us  sometimes  to  place  this 
clearly  before  our  eyes,  in  order  to  be  ever  mindful  of  it,  and 
never  to  forget  it  even  in  the  pursuance  of  private  ends.  You, 
too,  remember  this,  my  son,  and  act  accordingly.  To  the  Em- 
peror and  the  Church  be  all  our  services  dedicated!  To  render 
the  Emperor  great  and  mighty,  to  strengthen  his  considera- 
tion throughout  the  German  Empire,  is  and  shall  be  my  aim 
as  a  statesman.  To  extend  continually  the  power  and  domin- 
ion of  the  Catholic  religion  is  and  shall  be  my  task  as  a  Chris- 
tian, as  a  son  of  the  Church,  within  whose  pale  alone  is  salva- 
tion. God  himself  has  chosen  me  for  his  tool,  else  how  would 
it  have  been  possible  that  the  bigoted,  reformed  Elector  should 
have  selected  me  for  his  first  and  mightiest  minister?  God 
wills  that  through  me  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Koman  See 
and  the  German  Emperor  be  promoted  and  advanced;  there- 
fore has  he  caused  me,  the  subject  of  the  Emperor,  an  Aus- 
trian born,  to  become  the  servant  of  the  Elector  of  Branden- 
burg. But  the  servant  has  become  master,  and  the  Catholic 
Austrian  is  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark,  the  almighty  minister 
in  the  land  of  the  heretic.  It  is  so,  because  through  him  this 
land  is  to  be  led  back  to  the  true  faith  and  the  Emperor,  be- 
cause through  him  is  to  be  re-established  the  endangered  su- 
premacy of  the  Emperor  of  Germany!  The  Protestant  Elec- 
tors would  have  exalted  themselves  against  the  power  of  Em- 
peror and  empire;  with  the  help  of  the  Swedes  they  would 
have  cut  up  the  Holy  Roman  Empire  into  a  number  of  free, 
independent  States,  great  and  small,  where  Protestants,  Ee- 
formers,  and  Lutherans  would  have  enjoyed  as  great  consid- 
eration as  the  Catholics,  and  over  which  the  Emperor  would  no 
longer  have  exercised  control.  The  Protestant  Elector  of  the 
Palatinate  was  to  have  been  changed  into  a  King,  waving  his 
scepter  over  Catholic  Bohemia,  and  in  place  of  the  little 
Elector  of  Brandenburg  was  to  have  arisen  a  mighty  Prince, 
who  was  to  have  broken  the  power  of  the  German  Emperor  in 
the  north,  and  become  the  chief  and  center  of  Protestant  Ger- 
many! To  that  end  were  they  leagued  with  the  Swedes,  to 
that  end  was  King  Gustavus  Adolphus  to  have  furnished  help 
to  his  cousins  and  brothers-in-law.    But  the  fates  were  against 


COUNT  JOHN  ADOLPHUS  VON  SCHWAEZENBERG.  183 

them!  In  the  battle  of  the  White  Mountain  the  Count  Pala- 
tine lost  his  Bohemian  throne,  in  the  battle  of  Liitzen  the 
Swedish  King  his  life,  and  in  the  peace  of  Prague  the  Swedes 
and  other  enemies  of  the  Emperor  a  powerful  ally  in  the 
Elector  of  Brandenburg!  It  was  I  who  alienated  the  Elector 
from  the  Swedes,  who  made  him  again  the  obedient  vassal  of 
his  Emperor  and  Sovereign.  And  it  shall  be  I  who  will  make 
the  Mark  Brandenburg  imperialist  again!  For  the  limbs  ac- 
commodate themselves  to  the  head,  and  if  the  Prince  acknowl- 
edges himself  a  professed  Catholic,  his  subjects  will  soon 
follow  suit." 

"  What!  most  gracious  father,  is  it  possible  that  the  Elector 
George  William " 

"Hush,  hush,  my  son!  who  says  anything  about  the 
Elector  George  William?  Who  thinks  of  the  decaying  tree, 
which  can  no  longer  bear  fruit,  when  he  beholds  at  its  side  a 
young,  vigorous  tree  laden  with  blossoms,  rich  for  future 
harvests?  My  son,  I  herewith  give  you  my  consent  to 
woo  the  love  of  the  Princess  Charlotte  Louise,  but  I  make 
one  condition  which  you  must  solemnly  swear  to  respect: 
none  but  a  Cathohc  becomes  the  wife  of  my  son  John  Adol- 
phus." 

"  Xone  but  a  Catholic  becomes  my  wife! "  cried  the 
young  count.  "  I  solemnly  give  you  my  oath  to  that  effect, 
father." 

"  And  you  actually  suppose  that  the  Emperor  will  bestow 
upon  me  the  same  favor  he  has  conferred  upon  Fiirstenberg, 
Lobkowitz,  and  Liechtenstein?  " 

"I  am  empowered  to  promise  it  prospectively,  most 
gracious  sir.  The  house  of  Austria  is  grateful,  and  forgets 
not  that  already  your  father  before  you  rendered  her  impor- 
tant services,  attending  the  Emperor  with  credit  in  his  wars 
against  the  Turks;  that  you  yourself  have  been  through  a  whole 
lifetime  true  and  unswerving  in  your  fidelity  to  the  Emperor's 
service;  that  the  Stadtholder  in  the  INIark,  and  the  Grand  Mas- 
ter of  the  Order  of  St.  John  has  been  ever  mindful  of  his 
duty  to  the  Emperor." 

"  I  must  and  shall  be  ever  called  a  good  Imperialist,"  cried 
the  count  warmly,  "  and  prefer  the  Emperor's  to  the  Elector's 


184  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

service.*  Bethlen  Gabor,  Prince  of  Hungary,  has  well  said 
that  the  Elector  and  I  are  upon  one  ship,  and  that  my  fortune 
depends  upon  the  Elector's  fortune;  but  he  shall  be  proved  to 
have  been  in  error,  and  we  prefer  making  our  voyage  in  our 
own  little  bark  to  take  passage  in  the  Electoral  ship." 

"  Yes,  father,  that  shall  we!  "  cried  the  young  count  joy- 
fully. "You  sit  at  the  helm  and  give  management  and 
direction  to  the  boat.  For  my  part,  I  shall  so  hoist  and  un- 
furl the  sails  that  we  catch  the  breeze  and  bound  swiftly  for- 
ward! " 

"  Do  so,  my  son,  and  always  heed  the  wind  as  it  blows 
across  from  the  apartments  of  the  Electress  and  her  princesses, 
as  well  as  from  the  robber  nests  and  dens  of  the  squires  and 
waylayers  of  the  Mark,  and  from  the  fortresses  and  garrisons. 
We,  too,  my  son,  voyage  together  in  the  same  boat;  I  am  the 
pilot,  you  unfurl  the  sails,  and  upon  our  flag  in  mysterious  and 
invisible  colors  is  inscribed  this  device:  Good  Imperialists, 
good  Catholics!  " 

"  Yes,  good  Imperialists  and  good  Catholics,"  replied  the 
young  count  energetically.  "  But,  dearest  father,  let  us  add 
besides,  quite  softly,  good  Schwarzenbergians!  " 

"  Yes,  my  son,  that  will  we.  For,  in  addition  to  those  great 
and  holy  interests,  to  keep  one's  own  interests  a  little  in  view 
is  manly  and  justifiable.  My  heavens!  life  would  have  been 
perfectly  hateful  and  abominable  in  this  dirty,  cheerless  Ber- 
lin if  we  had  not  seen  above  us  a  glittering  star,  to  which 
we  could  look  up  when  all  was  so  dismal  here  below,  which 
shone  upon  our  path  and  cheered  us  when  we  feared  to  sink 
in  the  mud  and  mire.  This  star,  my  son,  do  you  know  its 
name  ?  " 

"  Its  name  is  Fame,  its  name  is  Love,  cher  jpere." 

"  Well,  for  the  sake  of  fame  I  will  put  up  with  love,  foolish 
dreamer.  You  may  bring  it  on  board  our  boat  as  ballast.  But 
if  a  storm  should  come  and  necessity  impel,  we  shall  throw  our 
ballast  overboard." 

"  Dear  father,  if  you  do  that,  you  will  throw  overboard 
likewise  my  happiness  and  life!  "  exclaimed  Count  Adolphus 

*  Count  Adam  Sehwarzenberg's  own  words.     Vide  Droysen,  History 
of  the  Prussian  Policy,  vol.  iii,  part  1,  p.  35. 


COUNT  JOHN  ADOLPHUS  VON  SCHWARZENBERG.  185 

warmly.  "  If  you  call  love  ballast,  then  forget  not,  father, 
that  in  this  ballast  your  son's  heart  is  included." 

"  Enamored  fool,  you  really  have  a  heart  ?  Do  vou  believe 
so?" 

"  I  believe  so,  most  noble  father,  because  I  feel  it,  be- 
cause  " 

A  hasty  knock,  thrice  repeated,  at  the  door  of  the  ante- 
chamber interrupted  him,  and  in  obedience  to  the  Stadt- 
holder's  summons,  the  lackey  Balthasar  hurriedly  entered. 

"  Most  gracious  sir,"  he  said,  "  it  is  a  courier  from  the  Com- 
mandant von  Eochow  at  Spandow,  who  desires  to  speak  with 
your  lordship  on  most  urgent  business." 

"  I  am  going,  most  gracious  father,  I  am  going,"  cried  the 
young  count,  speedily  rising.  "  I  can  no  longer  lay  claim  to 
the  Stadtholder's  precious  time." 

"  And  you  have  very  important  affairs  of  your  own  to  at- 
tend to,  have  you  not?  "  asked  his  father.  "  You  have  been 
long  enough  diplomatist  and  politician,  and  that  curious  thing, 
whose  possession  you  boast,  the  heart,  will  now  assert  its 
rights?" 

The  young  man  laughed  and  pressed  the  count's  extended 
hand  tenderly  to  his  lips.  Then  he  nodded  once  more  affec- 
tionately to  his  father,  and  bounded  lightly  through  the  room 
to  the  side  door,  through  which  he  vanished.  Count  Adam 
Schwarzenberg  looked  thoughtfully  after  his  son.  "  Strange!  " 
he  murmured.  "  Is  he  acting  a  comed}^,  or  is  it  truth?  Does 
he  prudently  pretend  to  have  a  heart,  or  has  he  one  in  reality? 
Well,  never  mind.     The  courier  from  Spandow!  " 

In  answer  to  tlie  count's  loud  call  a  huntsman  in  dirty, 
dusty  uniform  made  his  appearance  from  the  antechamber, 
and,  making  a  military  salute,  remained  standing  near  the 
door. 

"What  news  have  you  for  me?  "  asked  Count  Schwarzen- 
berg, striding  toward  him.  "  Where  are  your  letters  and  dis- 
patches? " 

"  I  crave  pardon,  your  excellency,  but  I  have  no  letters 
or  dispatches.  The  Commandant  von  Eochow  sent  me  with  a 
verbal  message,  and  entreats  forgiveness  in  that  haste  allowed 
him  no  time  for  writing.     I  have  only  to  announce  that. 


186  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

even  at  the  instant  of  my  departure,  the  Electoral  Prince  was 
making  his  solemn  entry  into  Spandow.  All  ranks  and  condi- 
tions of  people  from  the  region  round  about  had  joined  the 
Electoral  Prince,  and  followed  him,  in  carriages,  on  horse- 
back, and  on  foot.  The  commandant  was  greatly  amazed 
to  witness  so  much  pomp,  and  hastened  to  array  himself  in 
parade  uniform  in  order  to  go  and  meet  the  Electoral  Prince 
with  his  corps  of  officers." 

"  That  is  all  you  have  to  communicate  to  me?  " 

"  All,  your  excellency." 

"  Then  ride  back  again,  and  return  to  the  commandant  my 
warmest  thanks  for  his  welcome  message." 

"  Yes,"  repeated  the  count,  when  the  courier  had  taken 

leave,  "  yes,  this  is  a  welcome  message  and  by  !  I  shall 

derive  profit  from  it." 

"  Ho,  Balthasar,  Balthasar!  Is  the  commander  of  police 
in  the  antechamber?  " 

"  Your  highness,  he  has  been  there  an  hour  already." 

"  Bid  him  come  in.  There  you  are,  Master  Brandt!  Well, 
listen!  Send  all  your  secret  friends  and  emissaries  through 
the  city,  privately  inform  the  citizens,  the  magistrates,  the 
merchants,  the  whole  inhabitants  in  a  body,  that  the  Electoral 
Prince  will  arrive  here  in  from  three  to  four  hours,  and  that 
it  would  surely  be  a  right  great  pleasure  to  the  Elector  and  his 
wife  if  they  would  prepare  him  a  public  reception,  and  go  a 
little  way  on  the  road  to  meet  him.  Say,  moreover,  that  it 
would  assuredly  prepare  a  very  great  joy  for  the  Electoral 
Prince  if  they  would  illuminate  the  city  this  evening,  and  if 
this  were  done  voluntarily,  and  without  suggestion,  the  Elec- 
toral Prince  would  be  forced  to  admit  how  very  glad  the 
people  of  Berlin  are  to  welcome  him,  and  how  much  they  hope 
for  from  his  return.  Excite  the  populace  properly,  that  their 
houses  be  brightly  illuminated,  and  that  they  may  give  great 
demonstrations  of  Joy.  Dispatch  your  agents  everywhere, 
and  show  me  to-day  for  once  that  you  know  how  to  execute 
my  orders  punctually,  and  are  a  worthy  successor  of  my  dear, 
recently  deceased  Dietrich,  your  predecessor  in  office." 

"  Your  excellency,  I  shall  do  all  that  lies  in  my  power,  and 
I  doubt  not  but  that  I  shall  succeed  in  deserving  your  honor's 


COUNT  JOHN  ADOLPHUS  VON  SCHWARZENBERG.  187 

approbation.  I  only  venture  to  remark,  that  many  of  the 
citizens  will  find  it  exceedingly  difficult  to  procure  the  candles 
or  lamps  needed  for  the  illumination,  for  the  poverty  and  dis- 
tress are  very  great,  and  it  would  perhaps  be  well  to  aid  the 
people  and  furnish  them  with  the  candles  for  illuminating." 

"  Do  so.  Master  Brandt,"  cried  the  count,  smiling.  "  I 
fully  empower  you  to  purchase  tallow  candles  for  distribution, 
to  the  amount  of  a  hundred  dollars;  only,  take  care  that  the 
people  actually  light  and  burn  them  up,  and  do  not  consume 
them  as  dainties  these  hard  times.  And  one  thing  more, 
Brandt!  It  would  be  pleasant  to  me  if  you  would  excite  a 
few  people  against  me  and  his  highness  the  Elector,  while  you 
tell  them  various  bad  things  about  me,  and  attribute  it  as  a 
crime  to  the  Elector  that  he  is  so  devoted  to  me.  You  might 
then  urge  on  to  the  palace  such  people  as  you  have  stirred  up 
and  goaded,  so  that,  as  soon  as  the  Electoral  Prince  arrives, 
they  might  shout  with  loud  distinct  voices:  '  Long  live  the 
Electoral  Prince!  Long  live  our  savior  and  deliverer!  Down 
with  the  Catholics.  Away  with  Schwarzenberg! '  You  can 
at  least  persuade  ten  or  fifteen  to  do  this,  and  promise  them 
that  they  shall  have  money  to  buy  a  good  drink  if  they  shout 
right  loudly  and  clearly.  Well,  why  do  you  smile  so  all  of  a 
sudden,  man  ?  " 

"  Pardon  me,  your  highness,  but  when  I  entered  upon  my 
office,  four  weeks  ago,  your  excellency  urged  it  upon  me  as 
a  stringent  duty  to  report  truly  to  your  honor,  not  only  what 
happens,  but  what  is  the  mood  of  the  people  here.  Does  this 
command  always  have  validity,  your  excellency?  " 

"  It  has  validity  for  the  whole  term  of  your  service.  Mas- 
ter Brandt,  or,  rather,  you  will  only  remain  chief  of  police  so 
long  as  I  am  convinced  that  you  always  report  to  me  the 
full  truth  in  all  things,  without  reserve.  Speak!  What 
would  you  say  ?  " 

"  Your  highness,  I  would  only  say  that  it  is  not  neces- 
sary to  stir  up  the  people  to  give  utterance  to  such  infamous 
and  disrespectful  outcries  against  your  excellency.  They  will 
do  so  of  their  own  accord,  and  if  I  should  not  pick  up  tbe  first 
who  raised  such  a  cry,  have  him  arrested,  and  carried  off, 
then  immediately  would  twenty  fellows  be  found,  without 
IS 


188  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

any  prompting  from  me,  to  shout  exactly  the  words  which 
your  excellency  would  gladly  hear." 

"  You  mean  the  words:  '  Away  with  the  Catholics!  Down 
with  Schwarzenberg '?  " 

"  I  beg  your  honor's  pardon,  but  those  are  the  words  I 
mean." 

The  count  laughed  clearly.  "  Well,"  he  said,  "  so  much 
the  better!  We  will  be  spared  then  some  trouble  and  expense, 
which  is  always  a  very  pleasant  thing.  But  hear.  Sir  Master 
of  Police!  If  we  let  the  fellows  shout  to-day,  it  does  not 
follow  that  we  shall  not  administer  fitting  punishment  to- 
morrow. Mark  the  shouters  very  narrowly,  and  to-morrow, 
when  the  merriment  is  over,  have  them  arrested  and  thrust 
into  prison  for  a  couple  of  weeks!  " 

The  chief  of  police  shrugged  his  shoulders.  "  I  crave 
pardon,  your  excellency;  that  is  no  punishment  for  the  rab- 
ble in  these  days.  They  are  glad  when  they  are  put  away  at 
Oxenhead,  or  here  in  the  castle  prison,  receiving  food  and 
lodgings  free  of  cost,  and  many  a  one,  who  formerly  lived  in 
honor  and  affluence,  would  to-day  be  gladly  found  guilty  of 
some  fault,  for  the  sake  of  being  arrested  and  supported  in 
prison  at  the  expense  of  the  state." 

"  Well,  then  we  will  not  gratify  the  shouting  mob  by 
punishing  them  with  imprisonment,  but  cause  the  jailer  to 
administer  a  sound  cudgeling  to  each  one  of  them,  and  then 
let  the  fellows  go  again.  Make  good  speed  now,  Brandt,  for 
I  expect  the  Electoral  Prince  here  in  a  few  hours,  and  if  the 
people  are  not  properly  notified,  he  will  make  his  entry  before 
they  have  taken  off  their  rags  and  donned  their  holiday  attire. 
Make  haste,  and  let  us  have  this  evening  a  right  brilliant 
illumination.     Farewell,  Master  Brandt!  " 

The  chief  of  police  departed,  and  by  a  loud  whistle 
Schwarzenberg  called  the  lackey  to  him. 

"  One  of  the  grooms  must  take  horse,"  was  his  command. 
"He  must  ride  out  on  the  road  to  Spandow  about  a  quarter 
of  a  mile.  There  he  is  to  halt,  and  wait  until  the  Electoral 
Prince  arrives  with  his  attendants.  As  soon  as  he  has  seen  him, 
he  is  to  come  back  at  full  speed  and  make  the  announcement 
to  me." 


THE  HOME-COMING.  189 

"  All  necessary  preliminaries  are  arranged/'  said  Schwarz- 
enberg,  when  he  found  himself  again  alone.  "  Now  let  the 
Electoral  Prince  come  on,  we  are  ready  to  receive  him.  There 
will  be  a  hard  struggle,  but  I  have  been  victorious  over  all  my 
enemies  for  twenty  years,  and  shall  probably  conquer  the 
little  Electoral  Prince  too!  Now  a  hurried  toilet,  and  then 
to  the  Elector,  to  open  the  skirmish  in  his  neighborhood! 
Ah,  we  shall  see,  my  young  Prince!  For  you  shouts  the  rabble 
of  BerHn,  for  me  speaks  the  Elector!  We  shall  see  which  of  us 
two  has  built  upon  the  sand!  " 


III. — The  Home-coming. 

"  May  I  be  so  bold  as  to  come  in,  most  noble  sir?  "  asked 
Count  Schwarzenberg,  as  he  opened  the  door  leading  into 
the  Electoral  cabinet  and  thrust  in  his  head,  encircled  by  a 
hundred  beautifully  arranged  curls. 

"  Behold,  there  is  Adam  Schwarzenberg!  "  cried  Elector 
George  William,  wheeling  his  chair  from  the  writing  table. 
"  Why  do  you  ask,  count,  since  you  know  that  you  are  always 
privileged  to  enter  unannounced?  Come  closer,  and  be 
heartily  welcome!  " 

And  the  Elector  leaned  both  his  arms  upon  the  wooden 
aims  of  his  chair,  making  an  effort  to  rise.  But  the  count 
was  at  his  side  in  a  moment,  gently  forcing  him  back  into 
his  seat,  while  at  the  same  time  he  half  bent  one  knee  and  im- 
printed a  kiss  upon  the  Elector's  right  hand. 

"  If  your  grace  treats  me  with  such  formality,  and  rises 
on  my  account,  then  I  must  believe  that  you  love  me  no 
longer,"  he  said,  with  soft,  insinuating  voice.  "  But  you  well 
know,  beloved  master,  that  I  could  not  live  without  your 
love,  and  that  existence  itself  would  seem  gloomy  and  dark 
to  me  if  the  star  of  your  favor  and  love  should  cease  to  shine 
upon  it." 

"  Live,  my  Adam,  live  merrily,  then,  and  joyously,  for 
you  well  know  that  I  love  you,"  replied  George  William,  nod- 


190  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

ding  to  the  count  in  most  friendly  manner.  "  And  how  could 
it  be  otherwise,  when  I  know  that  I  can  depend  upon  your 
love,  and  that  you  are  the  only  one  truly  interested  in  my  not 
being  called  away  yet  awhile,  and  in  having  me  tarry  a  little 
longer  upon  earth.  Come,  my  friend,  sit  down.  Draw  up  your 
armchair  close  to  my  side — no,  opposite  to  me,  that  I  may 
look  at  you.  I  love  dearly  to  behold  your  handsome,  noble 
face,  and  then  console  myself  with  the  thought  that,  after 
all,  the  Elector  of  Brandenburg  can  not  be  such  a  pitiful  little 
Prince,  since  such  a  proud,  distinguished  lord  as  Count 
Schwarzenberg  is  his  minister." 

"  Say  his  servant,  his  slave,  his  humble  subject,  most  gra- 
cious sir!  Yes,  look  at  me,  my  much-loved  master,  and  read 
in  my  countenance  that  I  am  devoted  to  you  with  my  whole 
heart  and  soul.  Ah!  who  knows  how  much  longer  you  will 
read  that  in  my  face,  and  how  soon  it  may  come  to  pass  that 
poor  Adam  Schwarzenberg  will  be  thrust  aside  and  no  longer 
find  a  place  in  your  heart!  Oh,  dearest  sir,  when  I  think  of 
that,  I  feel  perfectly  wretched  and  inconsolable,  and  I  would 
rather  hide  my  head  and  weep  and  mourn,  than  go  smilingly 
to  meet  the  joyful  countenance  of  him  who  will  come  to  sup- 
plant me  in  your  affections!  " 

"  Nobody  shall  do  that,  Adam,  and  I  know  not,  indeed, 
who  could  be  bold  enough  even  to  attempt  it." 

"  Most  gracious  sir,  the  Electoral  Prince  will  attempt  it! 
He  who,  when  a  mere  little  child,  was  my  opponent.  He,  who 
has  been  brought  up  by  his  mother  and  other  relatives  to  mis- 
trust me.  He  will  grudge  me  the  smallest  place  in  his  father's 
heart,  and  will  do  everything  to  contest  it  with  me!  " 

"  But  he  will  not  succeed,  be  assured  of  that,  my  Adam, 
he  will  not  succeed  in  it.  I  only  know  too  well  that  in  you  I 
have  a  faithful,  devoted  servant,  in  the  Electoral  Prince  a 
rebellious  and  refractory  son;  that  with  you  all  is  bound  up 
in  my  life;  with  him  all  in  my  death!  " 

"  Oh,  no,  your  highness,  no,  it  is  impossible  that  the  Elec- 
toral Prince  could  be  so  heartless  and  degenerate  as  to  wish 
for  his  father's  death.  ISTo,  I  must  take  the  part  of  the  Elec- 
toral Prince  against  you.  You  accuse  him  falsely,  most  gra- 
cious sir;  he  surely  loves  you,  and  it  is  only  his  ambition  and 


THE  HOME-COMING.  191 

youthful  arrogance  that  sometimes  lead  him  to  do  what  is 
not  right,  and  what  surely  he  would  not  do  if  he  only  reflected 
better.  Out  of  youthful  presumption  he  undertook,  despite 
your  commands  to  the  contrary,  to  remain  longer  at  The 
Hague,  and  even  to  send  back  the  Chamberlain  von  Schlieben, 
whom  you  had  dispatched  to  him  with  strict  orders  to  bring 
him  home.  And  only  his  stormy,  boundless  ambition  is  at 
fault  now  in  inducing  him  to  appear  here  in  rather  an  unbe- 
coming manner.  But  you  must  not  be  angry  with  him  for 
it,  dear  sir,  and  on  that  very  account  have  I  come  to  you  to- 
day, to  beg  and  implore  you  most  earnestly  not  to  admit  any 
feelings  of  resentment  into  your  mind  tliis  day,  which  is  to 
restore  to  you  the  Electoral  Prince." 

"  He  is  coming,  then,  at  last?  "  cried  the  Elector,  breath- 
ing again.  "  He  has  finally  had  the  goodness  to  heed  our  oft- 
repeated  commands,  and  condescended  to  return  home?  But 
this  return  is,  as  I  feel,  likely  enough  to  prepare  renewed 
vexation  for  me,  and  in  your  magnanimity  you  come  to  me 
only  to  sweeten  a  little  the  pill  which  my  son  gives  me  to 
swallow.  Speak  out  openly,  Adam,  and  keep  back  nothing! 
What  is  it?    What  has  the  Electoral  Prince  done?  " 

"  Oh,  your  highness,  I  am  convinced  that  he  means  noth- 
ing bad,  and  has  no  design  of  vexing  you.  He  naturally  re- 
joices greatly  on  his  return  to  his  future  dominions,  and  con- 
sequently enjoys  the  congratulations  of  his  future  subjects, 
and  gladly  allows  them  to  receive  him  with  demonstrations 
of  delight." 

"Do  they  so,  his  future  subjects?"  inquired  the  Elector, 
and  his  hands,  swollen  by  gout,  grasped  convulsively  the  arms 
of  his  easychair.  "  Do  they  welcome  him  witli  rejoicings  as 
their  future  sovereign?" 

"  Yes,  most  gracious  sir,  it  is  plainly  to  be  seen  how  closely 
the  people  cling  to  the  electoral  house  of  Hohenzollern,  and 
how  they  sympathize  in  every  fortunate  event  occurring  in 
that  family.  From  the  moment  that  the  Electoral  Prince 
crossed  the  boundaries  of  the  Mark,  the  inhabitants  of 
every  village  and  town  have  joyfully  poured  forth  to  meet 
him;  his  journey  is  a  genuine  triumphal  procession,  and  the 
reigning    Sovereign  of  the  country  could  not  be  received 


192  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

with  more  honor  and  delight  than  is  the  young  Electoral 
Prince!  " 

"  Me,  their  reigning  Sovereign,  me,  they  did  not  receive 
with  rejoicings,"  exclaimed  the  Elector,  whose  face  grew  crim- 
son with  excitement  and  passion.  "  My  journey  was  anything 
but  a  triumphal  procession,  resembling  much  more  a  funeral, 
so  quiet  and  still  was  everything  on  my  way.  Nowhere  did  I 
hear  a  joyful  welcome,  nowhere  did  the  people  come  forth 
to  meet  me,  and  as  at  Konigsberg  they  permitted  me  to  depart 
without  greeting  or  acclamation,  so  here  at  Berlin  they  al- 
lowed me  to  enter  without  a  sign  of  welcome  or  congratula- 
tion. I  will  now  confess  to  you  alone  that  I  was  much  morti- 
fied by  this,  although  I  did  not  complain  of  it.  I  comforted 
myself  by  reflecting  that  the  times  were  bad  and  depressing, 
and  that  in  their  afflictions  the  people  could  not  even  present 
a  glad,  cheerful  countenance  to  the  father  of  their  country. 
But  now  it  falls  to  my  lot  to  hear  that  they  can  make  merry 
and  rejoice,  and  that  they  have  only  saved  up  the  joy  in  their 
hearts  to  bestow  it  upon  the  return  home  of  my  son  and 
heir." 

"  Pardon,  your  highness,  but  I  believe  that  we  accuse  the 
poor  people  wrongfully  if  we  imagine  that  they  are  now  act- 
ing thus  of  their  own  free  motion,  when  they  were  so  quiet 
on  the  arrival  of  their  beloved  Sovereign.  No,  the  poor,  un- 
happy people  would  have  been  equally  silent  at  this  time  if 
they  had  not  been  stirred  up  to  make  noisy  demonstrations 
of  joy,  if  they  had  not  been  paid  for  it.  It  is  otherwise  wholly 
incredible  and  not  to  be  thought  of  that  the  populace  should 
have  prepared  such  a  triumph  for  the  young  home-returning 
lord.  It  is  plainly  to  be  seen  that  all  has  been  settled  and  ar- 
ranged beforehand.  For  it  is  not  merely  the  offscourings  of 
the  streets,  but  burghers,  magistrates,  and  officials,  who  have 
extended  a  welcome  to  the  Electoral  Prince.  At  Spandow, 
for  example,  all  the  citizens,  with  the  magistracy  at  their  head, 
issued  from  the  town  to  pay  their  respects  to  him — yes,  even 
Commandant  von  Eochow  has  found  it  necessary  to  join  in 
the  universal  rejoicings,  and  has  ridden  out  with  his  officers 
in  their  dress  uniforms  to  do  honor  to  the  Prince's  arrival. 
Here  at  Berlin,  too,  your  own  residence,  all  is  uproar  and  ex- 


THE  HOME-COMING.  193 

citement.  They  are  putting  on  their  holiday  suits,  and  mak- 
ing ready  to  meet  the  Electoral  Prince.  That  proves  quite 
clearly  that  his  speedy  approach  to  the  city  has  been  already 
announced  to  the  citizens,  and  communicated  to  the  magis- 
trates even  before  any  tidings  of  the  sort  had  reached  your 
highness  or  myself,  the  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark.  For  as  soon 
as  I  obtained  this  intimation  from  Colonel  von  Rochow,  I 
hastened  hither  to  bring  to  your  highness  the  glad  news  of 
your  son's  return  home,  and  on  the  way  I  was  stopped  by  whole 
crowds  of  festive  men  and  women  hastening  to  the  suburb 
Spandow,  to  plant  themselves  near  the  Pomegranate  Bridge 
and  along  the  meadow  dike.*  Indeed,  it  strikes  me  that  I 
even  saw  some  gentlemen  of  municipal  authority  going  the 
same  way  in  full  official  dress." 

"And  you  suffered  this?"  asked  the  Elector  angrily. 
"  You  allowed  them  to  prepare  such  an  insult  and  affront  as 
to  do  for  the  son  what  they  have  not  found  needful  to  do  for 
the  father?  But  I  will  not  bear  it;  I  shall  not  be  humiliated 
by  my  own  son.  You  are  the  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark,  you 
must  provide  against  their  offering  me  any  cause  of  vexation. 
Send  out  your  officers,  Sir  Stadtholder,  to  clear  the  streets  of 
this  gaping  multitude,  send  the  magistrates  home,  and  order 
the  people  to  remain  quietly  within  their  houses,  to  do  their 
work  and  not  to  lounge  about  the  streets." 

"  My  much-loved  lord  and  Elector,  I  sue  for  a  favor  in 
behalf  of  your  most  faithful  servant,  your  poor  Adam.  I  beg 
you  out  of  consideration  for  me  to  retract  these  stringent 
orders,  for  I  should  be  ruined  if  I  were  to  execute  them. 
Throughout  the  whole  Mark,  yea,  throughout  all  Germany, 
they  would  raise  the  cry  of  murder  against  me,  would  every- 
where blazon  it,  that  Count  Schwarzenberg  is  so  inimically 
disposed  toward  the  Electoral  Prince  that  he  would  not  even 
grant  him  an  honorable  reception  on  his  return  home  after 
an  absence  of  three  years.    Oh,  most  gracious  sir,  you  will  not 

*  Old  Berlin  extended  no  farther  than  the  palace.  Behind  this  was 
the  park,  and  this  was  bounded  by  the  walls  of  the  citadel,  with  the  moat 
beyond.  The  whole  of  Dorotheatown  was  then  the  electoral  parden  and 
arable  land,  which,  however,  lay  uncultivated.  Vide  Nicolai,  Description 
of  Berlin  and  Potsdam,  vol.  i,  pp.  33,  157. 


194  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

increase  yet  more  the  number  of  my  enemies  and  opposers, 
you  will  not  excite  public  opinion  yet  more  against  me,  and 
render  it  more  favorably  disposed  to  the  Electoral  Prince! 
If  we  now  forcibly  restrain  these  testimonials  of  pleasure  on 
the  part  of  the  people,  then  will  it  be  said  that  I  misuse  my 
power  and  am  jealous  of  the  Electoral  Prince;  that  I  am  seek- 
ing to  thrust  him  aside  from  his  exalted  position.  If,  on  the 
other  hand,  it  is  seen  how  joyfully  I  acquiesce  in  the  Electoral 
Prince's  reception  with  acclamations  everywhere,  then  will 
they  be  forced  to  acknowledge  that  it  is  not  I  who  meet  the 
young  Prince  with  hatred,  but  that  I  willingly  concede  to  him 
all  honors  and  triumphs." 

"  It  is  true,"  muttered  the  Elector,  "  they  would  surely 
suspect  and  accuse  you,  and  it  would  not  mend  matters  to 
say  that  I  myself  gave  orders  that  the  Electoral  Prince  be 
allowed  to  come  home  quietly." 

"  God  forbid  that  such  a  thing  should  be  said!  "  cried 
Schwarzenberg.  "  No,  rather  let  the  whole  world  censure  and 
condemn  me — rather  let  it  be  said  that  I  have  acted  as  the 
spiteful  and  unworthy  enemy  of  the  Electoral  Prince — than 
that  they  should  dare  even  to  cast  one  shadow  upon  my  be- 
loved master's  heart.  What  matters  it  that  they  calumniate 
me,  if  they  only  venture  not  to  attack  and  suspect  your  high- 
ness?" 

"  They  shall  not  slander  and  suspect  you,  my  Adam,"  said 
the  Elector,  offering  him  his  hand.  ''  For  your  sake  let  us 
suffer  the  Electoral  Prince  to  come  hither  in  triumph.  But 
we  will  remember  it  against  him,  and  our  love  for  him  will 
not  be  thereby  increased." 

"Yet  I  entreat  your  highness  to  receive  your  son  kindly 
and  graciously,"  pleaded  Schwarzenberg  with  insinuating 
voice.  "  It  is  better,  your  highness,  to  try  to  chain  him  to 
you  by  goodness  and  love  than  by  strictness  and  severity  to 
repel  him  yet  more,  and  force  him  to  join  the  party  of  your 
opponents.  It  is  a  great  and  powerful  party,  and  I  well  know 
that  it  is  their  plan  to  place  the  Electoral  Prince  at  their 
head,  and  through  him  to  attain  their  ends." 

"  And  what  are  their  ends?  "  asked  the  Elector,  with  low- 
ering brow. 


THE  HOME-COMING.  195 

The  count  bent  over  closer  to  his  ear,  as  if  he  feared  letting 
even  the  walls  hear  what  he  had  to  say. 

"  Their  ends  are  a  transference  of  the  government,  and 
when  this  is  effected  a  revolt  from  Emperor  and  empire,  and 
a  league  with  the  Swedes  and  all  Protestant  German  princes 
against  Emperor  and  empire." 

"  The  transference  of  the  government?  That  means  an 
insurrection,  a  revolution.  They  would  hurl  me  from  my 
throne  and  ensconce  my  son  there?  " 

"  They  hope  that  in  your  distress  you  will  do,  gracious 
sir,  what  your  blessed  father  did." 

"  Abdicate!  "  cried  the  Elector  angrily.  "  Abdicate  in 
favor  of  my  son  ?  " 

"  In  favor  of  the  Electoral  Prince,  who  has  grown  up  in 
Holland  to  become  a  promising  Prince,  a  general  of  the  fu- 
ture, a  brilliant  leader  of  the  Protestant  Church,  and  of 
whom  his  followers  say  that  he  will  be  a  second  Gustavus 
Adolphus! " 

"  A  second  plague — a  second  source  of  danger  to  myself!  " 
screamed  the  Elector,  striking  with  his  clinched  fist  upon  the 
arm  of  his  chair.  "  It  was  not  enough  that  my  brother-in- 
law  Gustavus  Adolphus  brought  me  into  trouble  and  distress, 
and  caused  the  Emperor's  wrath  to  flame  forth  against  me, 
so  that  I  was  really  afraid  that  I  would  share  the  fate  of  my 
cousin  the  Margrave  of  Jagerndorf,  whom  the  Emperor  put 
under  his  ban,  declaring  that  he  had  forfeited  his  margraviate, 
and  giving  it  over  as  a  feudal  tenure  to  Prince  Liechstenstein! 
I  was  only  saved  then  from  a  like  terrible  fate  by  your  inter- 
cession and  fidelity!  It  was  you  who,  by  your  address  and 
eloquence,  softened  the  Emperor's  resentment  against  me, 
induced  him  to  pardon  me,  and  afterward  brought  about  the 
peace  of  Prague,  which  reconciled  the  Emperor  to  me.  Yet 
it  was  not  enough  to  have  gone  through  those  times  of  anxiety 
and  distress,  they  must  be  now  renewed  through  my  only  son! 
In  him  am  I  to  find  a  second  Gustavus  Adolphus,  to  plunge 
me  into  new  perils  and  bring  down  upon  me  the  Emperor's 
avenging  wrath?  But  it  shall  not  be — I  solemnly  swear,  it 
shall  not  be!  I  will  vol  involve  my  land  in  new  dangers  and 
calamities  of  war.    I  will  nnt  depart  from  my  neutrality.    I 


196  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

u-ill  have  peace — peace  with  the  Emperor,  peace  for  my  poor 
people,  and  for  their  unhappy  Prince!  But  I  shall  not  act 
as  my  father  did,  and  prepare  a  pleasure  for  my  son  by  re- 
signing sovereignty  and  rule  in  my  lifetime  and  becoming 
the  servant  and  subject  of  my  own  son!  Before  me  shall  he 
bow — me  shall  he  acknowledge  to  be  his  lord  so  long  as  I  live, 
and  never  while  I  breathe  shall  I  cease  to  lay  to  his  charge 
these  hours  of  pain  and  vexation.  I  am  Elector  and  ruler,  and 
he  is  nothing  further  than  my  son  and  subject,  my  suc- 
cessor when  I  die,  but  not  my  coregent  while  I  live!  Count 
Adam  Schwarzenberg,  I  charge  you  to  stand  courageously 
at  my  side,  to  remain  zealous  in  my  service,  and  to  direct  your 
attention  especially  to  unraveling  all  the  arts  and  wiles,  the 
plots  and  schemes  of  my  son  and  his  abettors;  to  give  me 
always  information  on  these  points,  to  keep  nothing  in  the 
background,  and  not  to  conceal  anything  from  me  merely  to 
save  me  from  vexation.  Will  you  promise  and  swear  so  to 
manage  and  act,  my  Adam  ?  " 

"  I  swear  and  promise  it,  and  in  affirmation  will  my  Prince 
allow  me  to  give  him  my  hand  upon  it?"  asked  Schwarzen- 
berg, laying  his  own  right  hand  in  the  outstretched  one  of  the 
Elector.  "  You  will  find  in  me  a  true  servant  and  guardian 
of  your  sacred  person  and  your  throne,  and  he  who  would  sup- 
plant or  harm  you  must  first  step  over  the  corpse  of  Count 
Schwarzenberg!  But  now,  most  gracious  sir,  I  beseech  you 
not  to  be  overpowered  by  your  feelings  of  indignation,  and  to 
be  amiable  and  condescending  toward  the  home-coming  Elec- 
toral Prince;  for  it  is  sometimes  very  necessary  to  wear  a  mask 
and  assume  an  appearance  of  harmlessness  and  unconcern  in 
order  the  better  to  fathom  the  designs  of  one's  enemies,  and 
to  make  them  feel  secure,  that  they  may  the  more  easily  be- 
tray themselves." 

"  Yes,  I  will  do  so,"  said  George  William,  sighing.  "  I 
will  swallow  down  my  rage,  although  it  would  be  a  relief  to 
me  to  vent  it  a  little,  and  to  show  my  son  that  I  know  him 
and  am  not  deceived  by  him.  But  what  noise  is  that  without, 
and  who  is  knocking  so  violently  at  the  door?  " 

This  door  was  now  impetuously  torn  open,  and  the  Elec- 
tress  Sophy  Elizabeth  entered,  with  beaming  eyes  and  fea- 


THE  HOME-COMING.  197 

tures  lighted  up  by  joy,  while  on  high  she  held  an  open  letter 
in  her  hand. 

"  George!  "  she  exclaimed — "  George,  our  son  is  coming! 
Our  dear  Frederick  William  is  coming!  " 

"  "Well,  I  rather  think  he  ought  to  have  been  here  a  half 
year  ago,"  growled  the  Elector,  "  and  we  have  been  expecting 
him  several  months  already." 

"  But  he  is  here  now,  my  husband,  he  is  actually  here  now. 
Only  see  what  a  good,  affectionate  son  he  is!  He  has  halted 
at  the  inn  of  the  Spandow  suburb,  merely  to  forewarn  us  of 
his  arrival.  It  was  not  enough  for  him  that  he  had  sent  us  a 
messenger  with  a  verbal  communication,  no,  he  must  send  us 
a  written  salutation,  and  such  kind,  cordial  words  as  he  has 
written.    There,  read,  my  husband,  just  read!  " 

She  handed  the  paper  to  the  Elector,  but  he  did  not 
take  it. 

"  Is  the  letter  directed  to  me?  "  he  asked. 

"  ISTo,  to  me,  to  his  mother  he  wrote,  because  he  knew  how 
happy  it  would  make  me,  and  how  heartily  I  love  him.  Read, 
George! " 

"  I  never  read  letters  that  are  not  directed  to  myself,"  said 
the  Elector,  turning  away. 

"Well,  then,  I  will  read  it  to  you! "  cried  the  Electress, 
who  in  the  fullness  of  her  joy  heeded  as  little  the  ill  humor  of 
the  Elector  as  she  did  the  presence  of  Count  Schwarzenberg, 
who  upon  her  entrance  had  modestly  withdrawn  to  one  of  the 
deep  window  recesses.  "  Yes,  I  will  read  it  to  you,"  she  re- 
peated, "  for  you  must  hear  what  our  son  writes." 

And  with  a  voice  trembling  from  joy  and  agitation  she 
read: 

"My  gracious,  revered  Mother:  Before  I  enter  my 
dear  birthplace  and  return  home  to  my  beloved  parents  and 
sisters,  I  would  announce  my  arrival  to  your  highnesses,  that 
you  may  not  be  alarmed  by  my  unexpected  coming,  and  that 
I  may  not  come  inopportunely  to  his  grace,  my  father.  I 
enjoy  greatly  getting  home,  and  all  the  testimonials  of  love 
and  sympathy  which  I  have  received  ever  since  I  set  foot  with- 
in my  father's  territories,  and  tliey  will  remain  indelibly 


198  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

graven  on  my  heart.  I  beg  your  grace  to  present  my  most 
submissive  respects  to  my  gracious  father  and  Elector,  and  to 
speak  a  good  word  for  me  to  him,  that  his  grace  may  no  longer 
cherish  resentment  against  me  on  account  of  my  long  stay 
abroad,  and  that  he  may  favorably  incline  toward  and  receive 
me,  and  be  convinced  that  I  am  and  shall  ever  remain  the 
grateful  and  obedient  son  of  my  venerated  parents. 

"  Feederick  William." 

"  Well,"  asked  the  Electress,  "  are  not  those  affectionate, 
glorious  words,  and  does  not  your  fatherly  heart  rejoice  in 
them?  But  just  hear,  hear,  how  they  shout  and  hurrah!  It 
is  the  good  people  of  Berlin!  They  are  coming  to  the  palace 
to  see  our  son!  " 

Again  was  the  door  through  which  the  Electress  had  en- 
tered violently  thrown  open,  and  two  young  ladies  entered. 
Their  lovely  and  blooming  faces  beamed  with  happiness  and 
their  eyes  glistened  with  joy. 

"  He  comes!  Our  brother  is  coming!  "  they  cried,  rushing 
forward  toward  their  parents.  "  Just  come  to  the  window, 
that  we  may  see  him,  for  he  is  riding  around  the  corner  into 
the  pleasure  garden." 

"Are  you  all,  then,  wholly  beside  yourselves,  and  gone 
stark  mad?"  cried  the  Elector  passionately,  while  he  rose 
from  his  armchair  and  proudly  drew  himself  up.  "  Who 
gives  these  two  young  ladies  the  privilege  of  entering  my 
cabinet  thus,  unannounced  and  without  ceremony?  Just  an- 
swer me  one  thing.  Miss  Charlotte  Louise,  did  I  permit  you 
to  come  here?  " 

"  No,  dearest  father,"  said  the  Princess  timidly,  casting 
down  her  large,  dark  eyes,  "  no,  your  grace  has  not  indeed 
permitted  us  to  do  so,  but  we  did  not  think  of  that  in  the  joy 
of  our  hearts,  and  because  from  here  is  the  best  lookout  upon 
the  pleasure  grounds,  we " 

"We  thought,"  interrupted  the  younger  sister,  who  had 
hardly  attained  her  fifteenth  year — "we  thought  our  dear 
papa,  his  Electoral  Grace,  would  forgive  us  and  look  out  with 
us  to  catch  a  sight  of  our  beloved  brother.  And  were  we  not 
right,  dear  papa,  were  we  mistaken  in  thinking  so,  and  will 


THE  HOME-COMING.  199 

your  grace  not  allow  your  little  Sophy  Hedwig  to  lead  you  to 
the  great  corner  window,  that  with  mamma  you  may  have  a 
\iew  of  dear  Frederick  William?  " 

The  Princess  had  approached  her  father,  and,  tenderly 
and  coaxingly  stroking  his  cheeks  with  her  little  white  hand, 
looked  up  at  him  with  such  a  gentle,  pleading  glance  in  her 
blue  eyes  as  George  William  had  never  hitherto  been  known 
to  resist.  But  this  time  the  eyes  of  his  favorite  had  no  power 
over  the  Elector's  heart,  and  indignantly  he  repelled  her  en- 
circling arms. 

"  Let  me  alone  with  your  '  dear  Frederick  William,'  you 
saucy  piece! "  cried  he  passionately.  "  You  should  at  all 
events  have  waited  until  I  had  given  you  leave  to  appear  here. 
If,  in  your  childish  giddiness,  you  knew  no  better,  yet  your 
sister  Charlotte  Louise,  at  the  more  mature  age  of  twenty, 
ought  to  have  arrived  at  years  of  discretion,  and  known  what 
was  proper." 

"  No  one  knows  better  what  is  becoming  than  the  fair 
young  Princess  Charlotte  Louise,  most  gracious  sir,"  said 
Count  Adam  Schwarzenberg,  issuing  from  the  window  recess 
and  greeting  the  Princess  with  a  reverential  bow.  "  In  the 
whole  country  the  Electoral  Princess  is  honored  as  a  brilliant 
model  of  fine  manners  and  noble  demeanor,  and  every  one 
feels  himself  blessed  and  honored  who  is  permitted  to  ap- 
proach her.  And  is  not  the  young  lady  right  even  now,  dear 
sir,  in  coming  here  with  her  young  sister?  It  is  surely  proper 
and  well  for  the  united  Electoral  family  to  be  seen  by  the  na- 
tion as  they  look  upon  the  dear  son  and  brother,  whose  return 
gladdens  their  hearts?  " 

"  Well,  for  aught  I  care,  she  may  be  right,"  muttered  the 
Elector,  "  and  I  will  grant  my  wife  and  daughters  leave  to  look 
out  of  the  corner  window.  But,  meanwhile,  where  is  the 
Electress?" 

"  Her  grace  is  standing  there  before  the  corner  window 
and  gazing  down  so  earnestly  upon  the  square  that  I  have 
not  yet  been  so  fortunate  as  to  be  allowed  to  pay  my  respects 
to  her  highness." 

"  For  if  the  whole  world  had  been  assembled  together  she 
would  have  seen  nothing  but  the  Electoral  Prince,"  called 


200  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

out  the  Elector,  shrugging  his  shoulders.  "  Go  to  her,  Adam, 
and  present  my  compliments  to  her.  Tell  her  that  I  resign 
my  cabinet  to  her  and  my  daughters,  and  will  withdraw  into 
my  sleeping  apartment  imtil  this  uproar  has  subsided." 

"  Oh,  do  not  do  so,  most  honored  father,"  cried  the 
younger  Princess.  "  Stay  here,  and  look  out  of  the  window 
with  us." 

"  Do  so,  your  Electoral  Highness,"  pleaded  the  count, 
softly  and  quickly.  "  Grant  the  people  the  light  of  your  coun- 
tenance." 

"  Well,  so  be  it,  then,"  sighed  George  William.  "  Call 
the  servants,  Charlotte  Louise,  that  they  may  roll  me  to  the 
window." 

"  As  if  I  could  not  have  the  privilege  of  acting  as  servant 
to  your  highness,  and  as  if  my  arm  were  not  strong  enough 
to  guide  your  highness's  chair.  Permit  me,  gracious  sir,  to 
roll  you  to  the  window." 

"  And  permit  me  to  help  your  excellency,"  said  Princess 
Charlotte  Louise,  smiling,  while  she  seized  one  of  the  arms  of 
the  fauteuil. 

"  Now  truly  this  is  a  very  lofty  equipage,"  cried  George 
William,  as  the  fauteuil  rolled  along  through  the  spacious 
apartment.  "  The  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark  and  a  Princess 
of  the  blood  drawing  my  equipage." 

"  But  what  a  man  sits  in  it!  "  said  Count  Schwarzenberg. 
"  A  duke  of  Prussia,  of  Pomerania,  of  Cleves,  an  Elector  of 
Brandenburg,  and " 

"Hurrah,  hurrah!"  sounded  up  from  below  in  a  chorus 
of  hundreds  of  voices.  "Hurrah!  long  live  the  Electoral 
Prince!  " 

"  He  comes!  Oh,  my  son,  my  son!  "  cried  the  Electress. 
"  He  comes!  George,  our  son " 

She  had  turned  round  and  her  eye  met  the  count's  gaze, 
who  immediately  bowed  low  and  reverentially  before  her. 
The  Electress  only  thanked  him  with  a  slight  nod  of  her 
head,  and  herself  sprang  forAvard  to  push  the  fauteuil  into 
the  window  niche.  Then,  Avith  trembling  hands,  she  opened 
both  window  shutters  and  beckoned  her  daughters  to  her 
side. 


THE  HOME-COMING.  201 

"He  must  see  us  all,  all"  she  said.  "With  one  glance 
he  must  take  in  father,  mother,  and  sisters." 

"And  my  most  faithful  and  best-beloved  servant,  the 
Stadtholder  in  the  Mark!  "  cried  the  Elector.  "  Come,  Adam, 
place  yourself  close  beside  me,  that  the  picture  may  be  com- 
plete, and  my  son  may  see  us  all  at  once." 

Boundless  public  rejoicings  seemed  to  be  in  progress 
below;  a  loud,  long-sustained,  ever-renewed  cheering  rolled 
over  the  square  like  the  roar  of  the  sea. 

"My  son,  my  beloved  son!"  cried  the  Electress,  leaning 
far  out  of  the  window  and  stretching  out  both  arms  toward 
the  young  man,  who  had  just  emerged  from  the  shrubbery, 
on  horseback  and  followed  by  a  brilliant  train. 

"  Brother,  dear  brother!  "  called  out  the  two  Princesses, 
leaning  out  of  the  other  side  of  the  window,  and  waving  their 
handkerchiefs  in  token  of  welcome.  Behind  them  sat  the 
Elector  in  his  great  armchair,  quite  forgotten  and  quite  hidden 
from  view  by  his  wife  and  daughters,  not  at  all  visible  to  either 
the  people  or  his  son. 

"I  shall  remember  this  hour,  oh!  to  be  sure,  I  shall  re- 
member it,"  he  said,  with  trembling  lips;  "  my  son  shall  atone 
to  me  for  this  hour  of  shame  and  mortification.    I " 

The  huzzaing  and  shouting  below  drowned  his  words; 
they  came  pouring  in  at  the  open  window  like  the  pealing 
tones  of  an  organ,  like  the  roar  of  the  sea,  like  claps  of  thunder. 

The  Elector  could  no  longer  bear  it.  He  looked  up  with 
glances  of  entreaty  at  the  count,  who,  drawn  up  to  his  full 
height,  stood  proud  and  commanding  at  the  side  of  his  chair, 
his  sharp  eyes  piercing  down  into  the  court  over  the  ladies' 
heads. 

"  Ah,  Adam,"  sighed  George  William,  "  you,  too,  have  for- 
gotten me,  and  are  only  looking  upon  him  who  is  coming!  " 

But,  however  softly  these  words  had  been  spoken,  the 
count  heard  them,  and  tenderly  he  leaned  over  the  Elector, 
and  seized  his  hand  to  kiss  it. 

"I  am  looking  at  the  newcomer,"  he  whispered,  "but  I 
never  forget  you,  and  my  heart  can  never  be  unmindful  of  the 
love  and  fidelity  it  owes  you." 

"Hurrah!     Long  live  the  Electoral  Prince!"  was  borne 


202  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

up  in  tumultuous  uproar  from  the  pleasure  garden.  "  Long 
live  the  Electoral  Prince!  Long  live  the  Elector!  Hurrah 
for  the  Elector  George  William!  " 

"  They  are  calling  for  you,  my  husband,  they  call  for 
you!"  said  the  Electress.  "Will  you  not  show  yourself  to 
our  dear  people?  " 

"  I  ought,  indeed,  to  be  thankful  to  the  dear  people,"  re- 
turned her  husband.  "  The  dear  people  have  at  least  re- 
minded the  Electress  that  I  still  exist,  although  she  had 
crowded  me  back  and  rendered  me  entirely  invisible  behind 
her.  Yes,  I  will  show  myself  to  the  people,  as  they  still  think 
of  me  in  the  midst  of  their  merriment.  Step  back  from  the 
window,  ladies,  make  room  for  your  Elector  and  lord!  And 
you.  Count  Schwarzenberg,  come  and  give  me  your  arm;  I 
would  lean  upon  you!  " 

The  count  willingly  offered  the  Elector  his  arm.  Power- 
fully drawn  up  by  him,  the  Elector  rose  from  his  seat,  and, 
leaning  upon  his  favorite,  stepped  close  up  to  the  window. 
The  shouts  of  joy  were  for  a  moment  hushed;  perhaps  because 
the  Electoral  Prince  had  just  ridden  into  the  palace  yard,  per- 
haps because  the  ladies'  retreat  from  the  window  was  considered 
by  the  people  a  sign  that  the  Elector  was  about  to  appear.  And 
now,  within  the  window  frame,  was  seen  the  clumsy,  broad  fig- 
ure of  the  Elector;  now  was  seen  his  large  head,  sparsely  cov- 
ered with  gray  hairs,  his  pale,  swollen  face,  prematurely  old, 
with  its  melancholy  blue  eyes  and  thin,  colorless  lips,  round 
which  played  not  the  slightest  smile.  In  the  handsome,  power- 
ful, and  youthful  Electoral  Prince  the  people  had  just  joyfully 
greeted  Brandenburg's  future,  and  now  from  the  window  of 
that  gray,  gloomy,  wretched  old  palace  looked  out  upon  them 
the  hopelessness  of  Brandenburg's  present.  Like  gazing  upon 
embodied  care  and  joyless  resignation  it  was,  to  behold  the 
Elector's  grave,  forbidding  aspect,  and  before  it  the  joyous 
cry  upon  the  people's  lips  was  silenced.  They  stared  up  at 
the  window  in  dumb  horror,  and  only  here  and  there  sounded 
cries  from  compassionate  or  bribed  mouths:  "  Long  live  the 
Elector!  Long  live  George  William!  "  And  like  a  dying  echo 
came  back  the  answer  on  this  side  and  on  that,  feebly  and 
slowly:  "  Long  live  the  Elector!    Long  live  George  William!  " 


THE  HOME-COMING.  203 

But  now  the  people  caught  sight  of  the  tall,  stately  form, 
in  gold  embroidered  velvet  suit,  with  the  star  of  brilliants 
glittering  on  its  breast,  which  stood  beside  the  Elector;  now 
they  recognized  that  haughty  countenance  with  its  glance 
of  sovereign  contempt,  its  smile  of  lofty  condescension  upon 
the  thin,  scornful  lips,  and  a  disturbance  was  perceptible 
among  the  multitudes,  as  when  a  sudden  gust  of  wind  agitates 
the  waves  of  the  sea  and  lashes  them  up  into  fury  and  rage. 
All  at  once  there  came  thundering  up  to  the  window, 
shrieked,  howled,  and  hissed  by  the  crowd :  "  Down  with  the 
Catholics!  Down  with  Schwarzenberg!  Down  with  the  Im- 
perialist! " 

A  deep  flush  overspread  the  Elector's  face.  He  hastily 
stepped  back  from  the  window,  and  looked  almost  timidly  up 
at  the  count,  whose  countenance  meanwhile  had  not  for  a 
moment  lost  its  proud,  smiling  serenity.  He  seemed  not  to 
have  heard  the  screams  of  the  mob. 

"  They  would  vex  me  to  death,  therefore  do  they  scream 
so!"  cried  the  Elector;  "they  know  my  regard  for  Schwarz- 
enberg, and  therefore  are  they  so  set  against  him  and  insult 
him,  in  order  to  insult  me  through  him!  " 

"My  parents,  my  beloved  parents!"  cried  a  clear,  rich 
voice,  and  a  young  man  tore  open  the  doors  of  the  Electoral 
cabinet,  revealing  a  tall,  slender  figure  and  a  noble  face,  with 
sparkling  eyes  and  smiling  lips.  The  Electress  uttered  one 
scream  of  rapture,  and  hastened  to  meet  her  son  with  out- 
stretched arms.  He  threw  himself  upon  her  breast,  greeting 
her  with  phrases  of  fond  endearment,  and  when  he  lifted  him- 
self from  his  mother's  heart  there  were  the  two  sisters  to  em- 
brace their  dear  and  only  brother,  to  greet  him  with  affection- 
ate words  of  love,  and  to  hold  him  long,  long  in  their  encir- 
cling arms.  The  Elector  had  again  sunk  back  into  his 
armchair.  His  "  faithful  servant,"  Count  Schwarzenberg,  had 
again  rolled  him  back  into  the  middle  of  the  apartment  and 
stationed  himself  immediately  in  the  rear. 

With  unpropitious  frowns  had  the  Elector  witnessed  the 

first  tender  greeting  exchanged  between  the  Electress  and  her 

son.     Now,  when  his  sisters  in  their  turn  engrossed  him  and 

the  mother  stood  looking  on  in  transport,  now  the  Elector 

14 


204  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

turned  round  to  Schwarzenberg,  and  an  expression  of  deep 
bitterness  spoke  in  every  feature. 

"  My  son  seems  not  to  know  that  I  am  yet  in  the  world," 
he  said,  with  quick,  complaining  tone  of  voice.  "  Had  you 
not  better  remind  liim  of  it  for  decency's  sake,  Adam?" 

But  at  this  moment  the  Electoral  Prince  freed  himself 
from  his  sisters'  arms,  perceived  the  Elector,  and  sprang  for- 
ward to  him  with  open  arms  to  throw  himself  on  his  heart. 
But,  when  he  got  a  nearer  view  of  his  father's  dark  counte- 
nance, he  let  his  arms  drop,  bent  his  knee  before  the  Elector, 
and  grasped  one  hand  to  imprint  upon  it  a  reverential  kiss. 

*'  My  dear  father,  my  most  gracious  Sovereign  and  Elec- 
tor! "  cried  he  in  tones  full  of  tenderness,  "  I  beg  your  pardon 
that  my  first  word,  my  first  salutation  was  not  given  to  you. 
You  see,  I  was  always  a  foolish  boy,  whom  my  mother  spoils, 
and  who  delights  in  being  spoiled." 

"  I  beg  your  pardon,  my  husband,"  said  the  Electress,  ap- 
proaching her  husband;  "  I  alone  was  to  blame  that  our  son 
did  not  come  first  to  you,  as  was  his  duty,  and  pay  his  first 
respects  to  his  father  and  Sovereign.  I  stopped  him,  and  you 
must  not  impute  as  a  fault  to  the  son  what  was  occasioned 
by  a  mother's  tenderness." 

The  Elector  made  no  reply,  but  looked  down  with  moody 
resentment  upon  the  Electoral  Prince,  who  still  knelt  before 
him. 

"  My  much-loved,  gracious  father,"  cried  the  Prince, 
"  I  once  more  beg  your  pardon,  and  pray  you  kindly  to  forget 
if  I  have  hitherto  often  given  you  ground  for  annoyance,  and 
have  not  appeared  here  immediately  on  your  first  command. 
I  see  my  error,  and  I  promise,  my  dear,  kind  father,  that  I 
have  returned  home  as  a  penitent,  affectionate  son,  as  an 
obedient  subject,  whose  earnest  endeavor  shall  be  to  deserve 
the  forgiveness  and  good  opinion  of  his  lord  and  father,  and 
to  live  wholly  and  solely  in  subjection  to  his  will.  Only  bid 
me  welcome,  too,  my  most  revered  sir;  bestow  upon  your  son 
one  word  of  welcome  and  fatherly  love." 

The  Prince  glanced  so  tenderly  at  his  father,  there  lay  so 
much  feeling  in  his  handsome,  expressive  countenance,  that 
the  Elector  could  not  resist  him^  but,  in  spite  of  himself,  felt 


THE  HOME-COMING.  205 

his  heart  stirred  by  tenderness  and  emotion.  He  bowed  down 
to  him,  a  rare  smile  lit  up  his  face,  and  he  was  just  opening 
his  lips  to  greet  his  son  with  words  of  friendliness  and  love, 
when  the  shrieking  and  shouting  down  in  the  pleasure  garden, 
which  had  ceased  for  some  time  (probably  because  their  ex- 
hausted throats  required  rest),  burst  forth  again  with  redoubled 
violence. 

"  Away  with  the  Catholics!  Down  with  Schwarzenberg! 
Long  live  the  Electoral  Prince.  Down  with  Schwarzenberg!  " 
came  up  with  thundering  impetuosity. 

The  friendly  words  died  upon  the  Elector's  lips,  and  the 
short  sunshine  of  his  smile  vanished  under  a  cloud  of  dis- 
pleasure. 

"  It  seems,  sir,"  he  said,  "  as  if  your  arrival  were  a  real 
jubilee  for  the  low  rabble,  who  have  assembled  down  there 
in  the  pleasure  grounds,  and  as  if  your  arrival  were  to  be  the 
cause  of  much  vexation  to  me.  What  seditious,  scandalous 
words  are  those  shouted  by  those  wretches?  " 

"  I  do  not  know,  I  did  not  hear  them,"  said  the  Electoral 
Prince  quickly.  "  My  whole  attention  was  concentrated  upon 
my  father's  lips,  waiting  to  hear  one  gracious  word  of  wel- 
come! " 

"  The  mob  saved  me  that  trouble! "  cried  the  Elector. 
"  They  cut  me  off  from  speech  with  their  '  Long  live  the 
Electoral  Prince! '  What  need  is  there  for  a  further  welcome 
from  your  old  father?  " 

"  I  need  it  much,"  replied  the  Electoral  Prince,  with  low, 
melancholy  voice.  "  I  need  a  kind,  gracious  word  from  my 
father,  on  returning  home  after  so  long  an  absence;  and  it 
would  seem  to  me  as  if  my  whole  future,  my  whole  life  were 
under  a  cloud  if  I  lacked  the  blessing  of  your  love,  the  sun- 
shine of  your  favor." 

"  My  son  knows  how  to  arrange  his  words  prettily,"  said 
the  Elector,  shrugging  his  shoulders;  "  it  is  very  observable 
that  he  has  become  quite  a  fine,  elegant  gentleman,  who  will 
find  but  little  to  his  taste  among  us,  and  wbo  will  suit  us  just 
as  little!  But  what  are  those  people  forever  shouting?  "  said 
the  Elector,  interrupting  himself,  while  he  rose  impulsively 
from  his  armchair,  tbus  obliging  the  Prince  to  rise  from  liis 


206  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

knees.  "  What  infamous  hubbub  and  howling  is  thia,  and 
what  do  you  villains  want  of  us?  " 

"  Nothing  further,  most  noble  Elector,"  replied  Count 
Schwarzenberg,  to  whom  the  Elector  had  turned  with  his 
query — "  nothing  further  than  that  your  honor  drive  me 
away,  nothing  further  than  that  you  dismiss  the  hated  min- 
ister, whom  they  abhor,  simply  because  he  is  a  Catholic  and 
not  a  Reformer,  and  because  he  is  named  Schwarzenberg  and 
not  Eochow  or  Quitzow,  nor  blessed  with  some  country  bump- 
kin's title." 

"  I  will  rout  this  pack  of  vagabonds!  "  cried  the  Elector. 
"  Let  them  dare  just  once  more  to  let  such  an  opprobrious, 
insulting  shout  be  heard!  " 

And,  quite  forgetting  his  weakness  and  his  limb  so  pain- 
fully swollen  with  gout,  the  Elector  went  rapidly  to  the  still 
open  corner  window,  and,  leaning  far  out  of  it,  lifted  up  his 
hand,  commanding  quiet.  The  people  took  this  inclination 
of  the  body,  this  movement  of  the  hand,  for  a  token  of  grace, 
for  a  kind  salutation  on  the  part  of  their  Sovereign,  perhaps 
even  for  a  granting  of  their  demand.  They  roared  aloud  with 
delight,  waved  aloft  their  hats  and  caps,  their  arms  and  hand- 
kerchiefs, and  cried  and  whooped  and  hurrahed:  "Long  live 
the  Elector!  Long  live  George  William!  Long  live  the  Elec- 
toral Prince!  " 

The  Elector  stepped  back  and  shut  the  window  so  vio- 
lently that  the  little  panes  of  glass,  framed  in  lead,  fairly  rat- 
tled. 

"  Frantic  populace!  "  he  growled,  "  they  mix  up  a  wretch- 
ed salad  of  cheers  and  curses,  mingle  weeds  with  their  herbs, 
and  fancy  that  we  will  find  this  devilish  compound  pleasing 
to  our  palates!    We  shall  remember  them  for  it,  and " 

"  Most  gracious  sir!  "  cried  Count  Schwarzenberg,  with 
radiant  covmtenance,  approaching  the  Elector — "  most  gra- 
cious sir,  in  this  blessed  hour  of  our  beloved  Electoral  Prince's 
return,  I  have  a  favor  to  ask  of  your  highness.  His  grace  has 
just  greeted  me  so  amiably,  so  condescendingly,  that  he  has 
caused  my  heart  to  overflow  with  joy,  and  I  feel  the  strongest 
desire  to  give  expression  to  this  joy.  The  return  of  the  Elec- 
toral Prince  is  just  as  propitious  an  event  for  me  as  for  the 


THE  HOME-COMING.  207 

Electoral  family,  and  for  all  your  subjects  it  is  a  festive 
occasion  which  can  not  be  sufficiently  honored,  and  there- 
fore I  entreat  your  highness  to  permit  me  to  celebrate  it 
at  my  house  also,  and  to  gratify  me  by  being  present  your- 
self at  this  fete,  with  all  the  other  members  of  your  exalted 
family." 

The  Elector  looked  upon  his  minister  with  an  expression  of 
joyful  tenderness,  and  then  turned  his  glance  upon  the  Elec- 
toral Prince,  who  stood  silent,  and  with  lowered  eyelids,  be- 
side his  mother  and  sisters. 

"  Well,  what  say  you  to  it,  sir?  "  asked  George  William. 
"  Do  you  accept  the  invitation  to  the  feast?  " 

"  I,  Electoral  Lord?  "  asked  the  Prince,  astonished.  "  It 
is  not  for  me  to  accept,  or  to  say  anytliing.  I  only  await  the 
decision  of  your  highness,  and  now  allow  myself  to  remark 
that  I  shall  ever  feel  honored  by  an  invitation  from  the  Stadt- 
holder  in  the  Mark,  and  that  no  one  can  have  a  higher  appre- 
ciation of  his  services  and  a  greater  respect  for  his  statesman- 
like experience  and  wisdom  than  myself." 

"  He  knows  how  to  speak,  does  he  not,  count?  "  asked 
the  Elector,  indicating  his  son  by  a  quick  nod  of  the  head. 
"  Well,  since  it  depends  on  my  decision,  I  shall  gladly  extend 
to  you  my  leave  to  celebrate  the  Electoral  Prince's  return  by 
a  little  merrymaking,  were  it  only  that  the  good-for-nothing 
people  of  Berlin  may  see  that  we  and  our  family  are  devoted 
to  Count  Schwarzenbcrg  now  as  before,  and  that  their  pitiful 
howls  have  had  no  influence  upon  us  and  our  determinations. 
Yes,  we  will  come  to  your  party,  Adam,  we  accept  your  invita- 
tion cordially  and  affectionately." 

"  I  thank  my  most  gracious  lord  for  this  act  of  favor  and 
condescension,"  cried  the  count,  pressing  the  Elector's  prof- 
fered hand  to  his  lips.  "  Will  your  highness  extend  your  favor 
by  appointing  the  day  on  which  so  distinguished  an  honor  is 
to  befall  my  house?  " 

"  Well,  that  you  may  not  have  time  to  make  too  great  prep- 
arations, and  put  us  to  shame  by  the  splendor  of  your  fete,  we 
will  allow  you  but  a  short  respite.  To-day  is  Wednesday,  the 
eighteenth  of  June,  wc  therefore  appoint  Sunday,  the  twenty- 
second  of  June,  for  your  festival." 


208  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

"  Be  it  then  on  Sunday,  a  sunny  day  truly  for  me  and  for 
my  house,"  cried  Count  Schwarzenberg.  "  My  son,  too,  will 
do  himself  the  honor  to  participate  in  the  joys  of  the  fete, 
which  your  highness  will  do  me  the  favor  to  give  in  my  house, 
for  he  has  returned  from  his  journey,  and  will  this  very  day 
petition  for  leave  to  present  himself." 

A  fugitive  glance  from  the  count  strayed  across  to  the 
ladies,  while  he  bowed  low  before  them,  but,  however  cursory 
this  glance,  it  gave  him  full  opportunity  for  perceiving  Prin- 
cess Charlotte  Louise's  deep  blush,  and  the  joyful  flashing  of 
her  eyes. 

"  She  loves  him,"  he  said  softly  to  himself,  "  yes,  she  loves 
him,  and  my  son  will  be  Elector  of  Brandenburg." 

"  We  shall  be  pleased  to  see  again  your  son.  Count  John 
Adolphus,"  said  George  William  kindly.  "  He  is  a  very  ele- 
gant and  accomplished  gentleman,  besides  being  a  very  sub- 
missive and  obedient  son,  in  whom  your  father's  heart  may 
well  rejoice.  My  son  would  do  well  to  follow  his  example,  and 
I  shall  be  delighted  for  him  to  form  a  friendship  with  the 
count." 

"  I  shall  diligently  strive  to  gain  the  friendship  of  the  son 
as  well  as  of  the  father,"  replied  the  Electoral  Prince,  smil- 
ing, "  and  it  shall  not  be  my  fault,  indeed,  if  I  do  not  ob- 
tain it." 

"  Most  honored  sir,  you  can  gain  no  more  than  you  already 
possess,"  exclaimed  Schwarzenberg,  bowing  low.  "  Will  the 
Electress  now  permit  me  to  address  a  question  to  her  high- 
ness? " 

"  Ask  your  question  quickly,"  cried  the  Electress,  "  that 
I  may  hear  the  request  it  is  to  introduce,  for  I  am  really  curi- 
ous to  know  what  the  rich  and  powerful  Count  Schwarzen- 
berg can  have  to  desire  of  the  poor,  uninfluential  Electress." 

"  First,  then,  my  question,  most  gracious  lady:  At  what 
hour  does  your  liighness  command  my  fete  to  begin?  " 

"  Will  you  leave  the  decision  to  me,  my  husband?  "  asked 
the  Electress,  smiling. 

The  Elector  nodded  assent. 

"  As  you  have  invited  my  daughters,"  said  the  Electress, 
*'  I  presume  that  there  will  certainly  be  dancing,  and  evening 


THE  HOME-COMING.  209 

iours  suit  best  for  that.  Let  the  fete  commence  at  six 
o'clock." 

The  Elector's  brow  darkened,  for  he  did  not  at  all  reUsh 
gay,  noisy  evening  parties,  and  a  solemn  dinner  at  the  regular 
hour  would  have  been  far  more  welcome  to  Mm. 

"  Your  grace  has  prescribed  the  hour  for  the  opening  of 
the  ball,"  said  Count  Schwarzenberg  reverentially.  "  But  I 
now  also  entreat  further  that  you  name  a  dinner  hour,  for  I 
hope  your  highness  will  favor  me  by  dining  with  me  on  that 
day." 

"  Yes,  that  honor  shall  be  shown  you,"  cried  the  Elector 
cheerfully.  "  We  shall  come,  surely  we  shall  come.  And  I 
will  myself  appoint  the  hour  for  the  mid-day  meal.  Let  it 
be  at  two  o'clock.  Then  we  shall  have  some  pleasant  hours 
at  table  before  the  dancing  comes  off  and  the  music  puts  our 
heads  in  a  whirl." 

"  Two  o'clock,  then,  most  gracious  sir." 

"  And  now.  Sir  Count,"  cried  the  Electress,  "  now  for  your 
request.  Say  quickly  what  it  is.  What  can  you  have  to  ask 
of  me?" 

"  Most  gracious  Electress,  I  hardly  venture  to  express  it, 
and  yet,  by  granting  my  request,  you  would  do  me  a  very  great 
pleasure  and  honor.  Some  splendid  silk  stuffs  have  been  sent 
me  from  France  by  my  cousin,  who  is  Austrian  ambassador 
there.  I  had  given  him  such  a  commission,  as  I  thought  of 
making  a  present  to  my  aunt,  the  Countess  Schwarzenberg  at 
Vienna.  My  cousin  bought  these  stuffs  for  me,  and  writes 
me,  moreover,  that  they  are  the  newest  fabrics  from  the  looms 
of  Lyons,  and  that  he  has  just  sent  three  such  dresses  to  the 
Empress  and  the  two  archduchesses  at  Vienna.  Now,  it  did 
not  seem  to  me  becoming  or  aj)propriate  that  the  Countess 
Schwarzenberg  should  wear  robes  such  as  the  Empress  and 
archduchesses  wear,  and  I  think  gold  and  silver  brocade  suited 
\o  none  but  ladies  of  princely  blood." 

"  And  you  would  give  them  to  us,  Sir  Count?"  cried  the 
young  Princess  Sophie  Ilcdwig,  with  heightened  color  in  her 
cheeks  and  sparkling  eyes. 

The  Electress  and  older  Princess  laughed  aloud  at  this 
naive  and  hasty  question,  and  even  the  Elector  laughed  a  lit- 


210  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

tie.  A  slight  blush  suffused  the  Electoral  Prince's  face;  he 
withdrew  to  the  window  and  looked  out.  Count  Schwarzen- 
berg,  however,  looked  smilingly  upon  the  young  Princess, 
whose  giriish  impatience  had  come  so  opportunely  to  his 
rescue. 

"  I  would  venture,"  he  said,  "  most  humbly  to  ask  her 
highness's  permission  to  lay  the  brocade  stuffs  at  her  feet." 

"  Mamma,  do  so,"  coaxed  Sophie  Hedwig;  "  take  the 
pretty  dress  patterns  from  the  good  Stadtholder." 

"  Well,  then,  I  shall  do  so,"  said  the  Electress,  "  I  accept 
your  present  for  myself  and  the  young  ladies,  and  I  thank 
you." 

She  extended  her  hand  to  the  count,  which  he  kissed. 

"  And  you  will  give  orders,  Electress,  that  the  dresses  be 
made  up  in  time  for  Count  Schwarzenberg's  fete !  "  cried  the 
Elector  cheerfully.  "  You  must  at  least  honor  him  by  display- 
ing his  present  first  at  his  own  house." 

"  There  are  a  few  plates  accompanying  it,"  remarked 
Schwarzenberg — "  a  few  plates  on  which  are  painted  the  new- 
est styles  of  ladies'  dresses  now  fashionable  in  Paris.  The 
robes  of  the  Empress  and  the  archduchesses  were  made  by 
them." 

"  So  shall  our  dresses  be  too!  "  cried  Sophie  Hedwig,  joy- 
fully clapping  her  hands.  "  Shall  they  not,  dearest  mamma — 
shall  not  our  dresses  be  made  by  the  fashion  plates?  " 

Just  at  this  moment  the  Electoral  Prince  again  emerged 
from  the  window  recess,  and  approached  his  father. 

"  I  beg  your  highness's  gracious  permission  to  with- 
draw," he  said.  "  I  should  like  to  retire  to  my  own  apart- 
ments a  little  while,  in  order  to  lay  aside  my  dusty  traveling 
suit." 

"  Do  so,  my  son,"  replied  the  Elector,  with  a  friendly  nod 
of  the  head.  "  Go  to  your  rooms,  which  have  been  prepared 
for  you  a  whole  half  year,  and  await  your  return.  Dress  your- 
self and  rejoin  us  at  dinner.  For  the  rest,  I  bid  you  heartily 
welcome,  and  may  your  return  be  productive  of  good,  not 
evil,  to  yourself  and  us  all." 

"  God  grant  that  I  may  merit  my  father's  favor,  and  ever 
show  myself  worthy  of  it! "  exclaimed  the  Electoral  Prince, 


THE  DONATION.  2H 

with  deep  seriousness.    "  I  have  now  the  honor  of  taking  my 
leave! " 

He  bowed  low  before  the  Elector,  and  with  a  like  salutation 
bade  farewell  to  the  Electress  and  the  Princesses.  After  greet- 
ing the  count  with  a  smile  and  a  wave  of  his  hand,  he  hurried 
with  hght  elastic  step  through  the  apartment  to  the  door. 


IV. — The  Donation. 

When  the  Electoral  Prince  left  his  father's  cabinet  he 
found  without  the  officers  and  servants  of  the  household  ar- 
ranged in  solemn  order.  They  received  him  with  a  thrice- 
repeated  cheer  that  was  loud  enough  to  penetrate  through 
the  door  into  the  Electoral  apartment,  and  to  reach  the  Elec- 
tor's ears  in  a  manner  by  no  means  pleasant. 

Affectionately  and  smilingly  Frederick  William  thanked 
them.  He  could  call  each  one  of  them  by  name,  and  charmed 
them  all  by  recalling  little  incidents  of  his  earlier  days  in 
which  they  had  borne  a  part. 

"I  hope  we  shall  always  remain  good  friends,"  he  said, 
when  he  had  reached  the  door  of  the  long  entrance  hall,  "  and 
once  more  I  thank  you  for  your  friendly  greeting." 

Old  Jock,  who  stood  next  to  the  door,  and  who  looked 
quite  grand  in  his  artfully  patched  livery  of  state — old  Jock 
had  already  just  opened  his  mouth  for  another  thundering 
hurrah,  when  the  Electoral  Prince  laid  his  hand  gently  upon 
his  shoulder. 

"Hush,  Jock,  hush!  do  not  shout,"  he  said,  loud  enougli 
to  be  heard  by  everybody.  "  It  is  enough  that  1  read  my  wel- 
come in  your  eyes,  and  not  necessary  for  your  lips  to  pronounce 
the  words  aloud.  Our  much-loved  and  gracious  father  is  sick 
and  sufToring,  and  we  must  not  therefore  allow  his  rest  to  be 
disturbed  by  loud  noises.  P)e  quiet  and  silent,  therefore,  and 
onlv  believe  mo  when  T  sav  Ibat  I  know  T  am  welcome  to  you 
all!" 

He  gave  them  one  more  frionflly  nod,  and  stepped  out 


212  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

upon  the  long  corridor,  on  the  other  side  of  which  lay  his 
own  apartments.  Quickly  he  went  on,  opened  the  door  of  the 
antechamber  with  a  vigorous  pressure  of  his  hand,  and  en- 
tered. The  trunks  and  other  baggage  lay  in  wild  disorder, 
heaped  up  in  the  outer  hall,  and  old  Dietrich,  with  a  few 
other  servants  and  lackeys,  was  busied  in  untying  parcels  and 
unpacking.  The  Electoral  Prince  went  hurriedly  past,  and 
entered  his  sleeping  room.  Here,  too,  he  found  all  in  con- 
fusion; the  dust  lay  thick  upon  the  unwieldy  old  furniture, 
whose  cushions  were  covered  with  faded  and  even  here  and 
there  ragged  tapestry.  From  the  walls,  hung  with  discolored 
papering,  a  few  old  ancestral  portraits  looked  gravely  and 
gloomily  down  upon  him,  and  their  melancholy  eyes  seemed 
to  ask  him  what  he  wanted  here,  and  why  he  had  come  to 
awaken  them  from  their  repose,  and  disturb  the  dust  which 
had  been  collecting  for  years.  It  seemed  to  the  Prince  as  if 
he  heard  this  inhospitable  question  quite  clearly  uttered  by 
the  lips  of  his  ancestor  Albert  Achilles,  before  whose  picture 
he  was  just  passing,  and  whose  large,  glittering  eyes  seemed 
to  look  out  in  defiance.  Frederick  William  stopped  and  looked 
at  his  forefather  with  a  sad  smile.  "  I  have  come  much  against 
my  will.  Elector  Albert  Achilles,"  he  said.  "  I  assure  you, 
very  much  against  my  will,  and  if  I  did  not  think  of  the  future, 
I  would  go  away  again  and  never  come  back.  But  for  the 
sake  of  the  future  the  present  must  be  endured;  therefore 
forgive  me,  my  great,  valiant  ancestor,  and  believe  me  I  will 
do  you  honor!  " 

He  nodded  to  the  picture  and  strode  on,  advancing  into 
the  next  room,  which  was  to  be  his  study.  Here  everything 
was  still  exactly  as  he  had  left  it  almost  four  years  ago.  The 
old  furniture  stood  unmoved  in  its  familiar  places;  there  was 
still  the  brown  varnished  writing  table  at  which  he  had  for- 
merly applied  himself  to  his  studies,  in  company  with  his 
tutor  Leuchtmar  von  Kalkhun;  beside  it  stood  the  simple, 
rude  book  shelves,  and  on  them,  covered  with  dust  and  cob- 
webs, the  old  leather-bound  volumes  from  which  he  had  drunk 
in  knowledge  and  wisdom.  Before  both  windows  hung,  just 
as  then,  the  dark  red  silken  curtains,  only  that  the  sun  had 
partially  deprived  them  of  their  original  coloring  and  inter- 


THE  DONATION.  213 

wovei.  sickly  streaks  of  yellow.  The  old  sofa,  too,  was  yet 
in  existence  with  its  sleek  brown  leather  covering,  and  by  its 
side  stood  the  two  leather  armcliairs,  with  their  high,  straight 
backs  and  awkwardly  turned  feet.  No  one  had  taken  the  trou- 
ble to  repair  these  inroads  of  dilapidation,  and,  long  as  they 
had  been  expecting  the  Electoral  Prince,  no  preparations  what- 
ever had  been  made  for  his  reception.  Four  years  had  passed 
over  these  chambers  without  leaving  any  further  trace  of 
their  presence  than  dust  and  cobwebs,  and  faded  stripes  on 
cushion  and  curtain.  Sighing,  the  Electoral  Prince  threw 
himself  into  one  of  the  two  armchairs.  The  old  piece  of  furni- 
tiire  creaked  under  him,  as  if  by  this  sound  it  would  greet 
him  and  remind  him  of  the  past.  He  leaned  his  head  against 
the  back,  whose  leather  cooled  his  temples  as  if  a  cold  hand 
had  been  laid  upon  the  brow  of  him  who  had  Just  come  home. 
Slowly  his  glance  swept  through  the  room,  and  it  seemed  to 
him  as  if  he  saw  the  four  last  years  glide  by  like  phantom 
shapes  through  the  lonely,  dreary,  and  dusty  chamber.  They 
looked  at  him  with  wan  smiles  and  lusterless  eyes,  and  hovered 
past  shadowlike,  leaving  behind  for  him  nothing  but  dust, 
nothing  but  a  hardly  cicatrized  wound.  Hardly  cicatrized! 
Sometimes  it  bled  yet,  this  wound  of  his  past.  Sometimes  he 
thought  that  there  was  no  healing  for  it,  that  it  would  never 
close,  and  that  its  pain  would  never  cease. 

Just  so  thought  he  as  the  shadows  of  the  four  years  floated 
by  him  through  that  gloomy,  dusty  room.  Just  so  thought 
he,  when  the  youngest  of  these  phantoms  paused  beside  him, 
threw  back  her  gray  veil  of  mist,  and  under  it  disclosed  to 
him  a  beautiful,  rosy  female  face,  with  flaming  eyes,  pouting 
lips,  and  lovely  smile,  when  she  raised  her  hand  and  beckoned 
to  him,  whispering:  "  Leave  all  behind  and  come  to  me! 
T  am  waiting  for  you!    /  love  you!    Oh,  come  to  me!  " 

How  sweetly  enticing  were  these  whispered  sounds,  how 
burning  was  the  pain  in  the  wound  but  barely  healed!  Again 
it  began  to  bleed,  again  tears  rose  to  his  eyes.  He  was  not 
ashamed  of  them,  and  yet,  as  he  felt  them  flow  burning  down 
his  cheeks,  he  stretched  out  his  hands  deprecatingly  to  the 
phantom  with  the  rosy  cheeks  and  fascinating  smile,  to  the 
shadow  of  the  last  year,  and  murmured:  "Away  from  me! 


214  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

Come  not  near  me,  to  tempt  my  liearl!  I  may  not  follow  you 
— I  may  not,  and  I  will  not." 

"  And  I  ivill  not! "  he  repeated  quite  aloud,  and  jumped 
up  from  his  easychair,  shaking  his  head  defiantly  and  proudly, 
like  a  roused  lion. 

"What  will  you  not?"  asked  a  soft  voice  behind  him, 
and  when  he  turned  round  he  saw  at  his  back  Baron  von 
Leuchtmar,  who  had  just  entered,  and  whose  mild,  gentle 
glances  rested  upon  him  with  tender  expression. 

"  Leuchtmar!  "  cried  the  Prince,  hastening  to  meet  him 
with  both  hands  outstretched.  "  God  be  praised,  that  you 
are  here,  that  you  come  to  me  at  this  moment!  Ah!  would 
that  you  had  not  left  me  at  Spandow,  but  had  remained  at 
my  side!  " 

"  No,  my  Prince!  It  was  proper  that  the  eyes  of  the  people 
should  have  greeted  you  alone,  and  that  the  boy,  whom  they 
had  seen  go  off  at  the  side  of  his  tutor,  should  now  appear  to 
them  again  as  a  bold  and  independent  young  man,  who  relies 
upon  his  own  powers  only,  and  has  no  longer  any  tutor  at 
his  side,  but  his  own  sense  of  duty  and  his  conscience.  But 
why  so  sad,  Prince  Frederick  William?  Your  journey  was 
verily  a  triumphal  procession;  like  a  Roman  imperator  you 
entered  your  father's  city,  and  now  do  I  find  you  here,  soli- 
tary, with  troubled  countenance,  with  tears  upon  your 
cheeks?  " 

"  With  tears  upon  my  cheeks? "  repeated  the  Prince; 
"  with  imprecations,  with  wrath,  and  sorrow  in  my  heart. 
Oh,  friend,  why  were  you  not  with  me?  You  would  have 
saved  me  perhaps  from  the  bitterness  of  the  last  hour.  You 
would  have  stood  by  me,  would  have  encouraged  me!  " 

"  My  God,  what  has  happened  then?  " 

"  It  has  happened  that  I  was  received  as  if  I  were  some 
criminal  returning  after  a  course  of  sin!  "  cried  Frederick 
William,  with  indignant  pain.  "  It  has  happened  that  they 
have  treated  me  as  if  I  were  a  rioter  and  inciter  of  rebellion, 
who  had  come  hither  with  criminal  designs,  at  the  head  of  a 
mob,  and  as  a  captain  of  robbers,  who  had  attacked  his  Sov- 
ereign in  his  stronghold.  It  has  happened  that  they  allowed 
me  to  sue  for  pardon  upon  my  knees  without  lifting  me  up 


THE  DONATION.  215 

. — that  they  have  treated  me  like  an  abandoned  villain,  from 
whom  they  expected  each  hour  to  witness  some  new  out- 
break." 

'■  But  consider,  my  Prince,  that  you  had  reason  to  expect 
that  your  reception  would  be  ungracious,  and  that  it  was 
your  father  from  whom  these  trials  would  come  to  you." 

"  No,  not  from  my  father,  but  from  him — that  evil  spirit 
who,  with  his  cold  smile  and  mocking  composure,  stood  at 
my  father's  side!  He  has  poisoned  my  father's  heart  with 
jealousy  and  hate,  he  has  filled  it  with  mistrust  toward  his 
only  son,  and  sowed  discord,  that  he  may  himself  reap  a 
harvest  from  the  hatred!  And  he  was  witness  of  my  humiha- 
tion,  and  I  saw  how  he  looked  down  upon  me  with  scornful 
superiority  as  I  knelt  before  my  father  and  pleaded  in  vain 
for  one  word  of  love  from  his  lips!  But  he  had  withered  this 
word  upon  his  lips,  and  only  for  him  were  words  of  tender- 
ness and  veneration  there!  Only  for  him  acknowledgments, 
confidence,  and  love!  As  he  stood  there  with  cold  and  haughty 
face  at  the  side  of  my  poor  fatlier,  who,  stooping  and  insig- 
nificant, cowered  below  him — oh,  so  far  below  him  in  his 
easychair — I  felt  it  in  every  nerve  of  my  heart,  in  every  fiber 
of  my  brain,  that  he  and  he  alone  is  ruling  lord  here,  the  com- 
mander and  Sovereign;  and  that  he  who  will  not  bow  and 
cringe  before  him,  will  by  him  be  hurled  into  the  dust  and 
trodden  upon!  They  all  bow  before  him — all!  He  is  like 
a  magician,  who  by  the  magnetic  glances  of  his  eyes  subjects 
to  his  will  all  who  approach  him,  and  makes  the  stoutest 
hearts  soft  and  pliant,  so  that  like  wax  they  allow  themselves 
to  be  molded  by  his  forming  hands.  Even  my  mother,  who 
is  his  enemy,  who  has  been  battling  against  him  for  twenty 
years,  even  she  is  conquered  by  him,  and  he  has  become  her 
master  and  forces  her  to  his  will.  She  knows  not  at  all  that 
she  has  fallen  within  the  circle  of  his  magic,  yet  is,  like  all  the 
rest,  a  mere  tool  in  his  hands.  But  she  feels  it  not,  and  fancies 
herself  free,  while  she  lies  bound,  and  has  no  will  of  her  own 
in  his  presence.  I  have  seen  it,  I  have  felt  it,  and  it  has  filled 
my  heart  with  unutterable  woe.  with  raging  anger.  She  felt 
not  at  all  the  shame  and  humilintion  under  which  I  almost 
expired;  she  came  not  to  my  aid,  for  the  magician  was  there, 


216  THE   HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE, 

and  in  his  presence  my  mother  forgot  her  8on  so  reci»nt?y 
come  back  to  her,  and  he  was  the  center  around  which  all 
turned,  he  was  master  of  the  situation,  and  before  him  all 
shrank  into  wretched  nothingness.  He  charmed  the  hearts 
which  had  remained  cold  at  my  reception,  charmed  them 
with  the  prospect  of  a  fete,  which,  as  he  said,  he  was  to  give 
in  my  honor,  and  they  believed  the  mockery,  and  allowed 
themselves  to  be  touched  by  that  noble  condescension,  and 
felt  not.  the  cruel  boasting  with  which  he  solemnizes  the  re- 
turn of  him  who  is  a  thorn  in  his  flesh,  a  thorn  which  he  is 
firmly  determined  to  pluck  out,  and  tread  under  foot!  I  came 
here  humble,  poor,  and  empty-handed,  and  he  solemnizes  my 
return  by  ofi'ering  presents  to  my  mother  and  my  sisters! 
And  they  accept  them,  feel  not  at  all  the  degradation,  and 
will  appear  at  the  fete  in  clothes  with  Avhich  my  enemy,  my 
adversary,  my  murderer  has  presented  them!  " 

"  Prince,  you  go  too  far.  Your  hatred  carries  you  away." 
"  No,  I  do  not  go  too  far!  "  cried  the  Prince,  beside  him- 
self. His  countenance  was  deadly  pale,  his  eyes  flashed,  and 
his  whole  being  seemed  pervaded  by  the  fire  of  wrath  and 
hatred.  "  No,  I  do  not  go  too  far,  and  my  hatred  does  not 
carry  me  away!  He  is  the  evil  demon  of  my  house — of  my 
country!  He  is  to  blame  for  all  the  disasters  of  the  last 
twenty  years,  for  all  the  humiliation  and  shame  by  which  my 
family  has  been  visited.  The  Mark  is  to  be  ruined — that  is 
his  end,  that  is  his  aim;  the  Electoral  house  of  Brandenburg 
must  die  out — that  is  his  hope;  and  he  will  leave  untried  no 
means  whereby  this  hope  may  become  reality.  He  has  already 
tried  once  to  murder  me,*  and  he  will  try  it  again.    A  dagger's 

*  Shortly  before  the  Electoral  Prince  left  home  he  found  one  eveninj^ 
under  his  bed  a  man  armed  with  two  daggers.  Upon  the  Prince's  out- 
cry, his  servants  hurried  to  his  assistance  and  succeeded  in  capturing  the 
murderer,  who  endeavored  to  make  his  escape.  He  confessed  that  he  had 
come  to  murder  the  Electoral  Prince,  and  that  he  had  not  done  so  of  his 
own  accord,  but  had  been  bribed  to  undertake  the  deed  by  a  very  dis- 
tinguished lord.  This  assertion  was  confirmed  by  a  considerable  sum  of 
money,  which  was  found  in  his  pockets  upon  being  searched.  They  put 
him  in  prison,  but  two  days  afterward  he  had  vanished,  and  with  him 
his  jailer,  who  had  connived  at  his  flight.  The  Electoral  Prince  was 
firmly   convinced   that   this    murderer   hr.d   been    suborned   by   Count 


THE  DONATION^  217 

point  lurks  in  each  glance  that  he  fixes  upon  me,  a  drop  of 
poison  in  each  word  that  he  directs  to  me.  If  I  stood  alone 
with  him  upon  the  summit  of  a  tower,  he  would  hurl  me 
down,  and  then  afterward  follow  my  coffin  with  a  thousand 
tears!  And  my  father  would  lean  upon  him,  and  thank  God 
that  only  his  son  had  been  snatched  from  him,  not  his  friend, 
his  favorite;  and  my  mother  would  weep  for  me,  and  yet  go 
about  in  mourning  which  he  had  presented  to  her,  and  she 
would  esteem  it  a  peculiar  act  of  amiability  if  he  should  exert 
himself  to  divert  her  mind  and  raise  her  spirits.  No  voice 
would  be  raised  against  him,  and  no  one  would  venture  to 
accuse  him,  for  my  father  himself  would  protect  him,  and 
the  grace  and  favor  of  the  Emperor  would  speak  him  clear 
of  any  suspicion.  He  is  my  master,  my  lord — that  is  what 
fills  me  with  rage  and  indignation;  and  I  will  surely  die  of 
this  if  the  count  does  not  succeed  in  dispatching  me  first,  and 
putting  me  out  of  the  way." 

"  He  will  not  venture  to  attempt  that,  for  he  knows  public 
opinion  would  accuse  and  denounce  him  as  the  murderer." 

"  What  cares  he  for  public  opinion,  what  asks  he  about  it 
— lie  who  has  power  to  repress  it,  he  who  stands  so  secure 
that  it  can  not  touch  him?" 

"  Nobody  stands  so  high,  Prince,  that  public  opinion  can 
not  reach  him  and  dash  him  into  the  depths  below,  for  public 
opinion  is  the  voice  of  the  nation,  and  the  voice  of  the  nation 
is  the  voice  of  God!  And  believe  me.  Prince,  this  voice  will 
one  day  accuse  and  sentence  him." 

"  Yes,  one  day  perhaps,  when  he  has  thrust  me  out  of  the 
way  and  murdered  me,  when  my  father  has  gone  to  his  last 
home,  when  the  Emperor  has  pronounced  the  ]\Iark  of  Bran- 
denburg an  unincumbered  fief,  and  bestowed  it  as  an  act  of 
grace  upon  Count  Schwarzenberg  or  his  son.  Oli,  I  know 
all  his  plans,  and  I  know  that  no  moment  of  my  life  is  hence- 
forth secure — know  that  I  am  a  victim  of  death  if  prudence 
and  cunning  do  not  save  me!  I  thought  of  all  this  during 
my  long  journey  to  this  place.  I  have  weighed  all,  pondered 
all,  and  my  whole  future  lay  before  me  like  a  white  sheet  of 

Schwarzenberg,  and  shortly  before  his  doalh  himself  related  this  story 
to  his  physician.     Vide  Kuster,  Youthful  Life  of  the  Great  Elector. 


218  THE    HEIR  TO  TUE  THRONE. 

paper.  I  saw  a  hand  unroll  it,  and  with  bloody  letters  in- 
scribe the  word  '  Death ';  but  I  saw  this  word  blotted  out 
by  a  cautious  finger,  and,  ere  it  was  written  to  the  end,  re- 
placed by  the  word  '  life '  in  characters  small  and  hardly 
visible.  Yes,  I  ivill  live,  ivill  reign,  tvill  have  fame,  honor,  and 
influence,  will  make  a  name  for  myself!  Lenchtmar,  I  have 
left  behind  in  Holland  ray  youth,  my  hopes,  my  dreams,  my 
heart!  I  come  here  as  a  man,  despite  my  eighteen  years,  as 
a  man  who  from  the  wreck  of  his  youth  will  save  only  this: 
the  future  and  fame!  A  man,  who  has  suffered  so  much,  that 
he  can  say  of  himself:  I  defy  pain,  and  it  has  no  longer  any 
power  over  me!  I  defy  life,  and  will  conquer  it!  Yes,  Leucht- 
mar,  I  will  conquer  it;  and  although  I  no  longer  love  it,  I 
do  not  mean  to  allow  it  to  be  snatched  away  from  me.  Hear 
me,  friend,  for  to-day  is  the  last  time  for  a  long  while  that  I 
may  speak  openly  and  candidly  to  you.  I  entreat  you,  guide 
of  my  youth,  to  preserve  for  me  your  friendship  and  your 
faith.  I  beseech  you  never  to  lose  confidence  in  me,  and,  if 
ever  a  doubt  should  intrude  itself  with  regard  to  me,  to  re- 
member this  hour,  in  which  I  have  laid  bare  to  you  my  heart, 
and  in  which  you  have  been  a  witness  to  my  indignation  and 
grief,  my  excitement  and  hatred!  You  are  familiar  with  my 
countenance,  friend;  impress  it  upon  your  memory,  in  order 
that  you  may  never  forget  it,  even  if  you  should  not  see  it 
for  a  long  time  again.  Look  once  more  in  my  eyes,  and  read 
in  my  glances  my  love  and  reverence  for  you!  " 

"  I  do  look  into  your  eyes,  son  of  my  heart,"  said  Leucht- 
mar,  deeply  moved.  "  I  look  through  your  eyes  into  your 
soul,  into  your  heart,  and  read  therein  great  determination 
and  heroic  aims.  Strive  after  them,  my  favorite,  and  when 
the  present  seems  to  you  dark  and  gloomy,  then  lift  your 
eye  to  the  glittering  star,  which  hovers  over  you  and  is  your 
future.  To  endure  evil,  and  still  to  remain  joyful  and  vali- 
ant, therein  lies  true  heroism.  To  turn  from  the  dust  of 
earthly  needs,  to  step  over  it  with  head  held  heavenward, 
thereby  is  true  faith  proved.  God  bless  you,  my  son!  Be 
brave,  be  wise,  be  true!  Trust  in  yourself,  your  friends,  your 
people,  and  your  God;  then  is  the  futiire  yours,  and  you  will 
overcome  all  your  foes,  and  will  triumph  over  the  proud  man 


THE  DONATION.  219 

who  now  thinks  that  he  triumphs  over  you.  I  said  to  you, 
be  brave,  be  wise,  be  true.  I  forgot  one  thing,  though,  which 
I  shall  now  add — he  circumspect !  Remember  that  oftentimes 
it  is  not  the  sword  which  carries  oft'  the  victory,  but  cunning; 
remember  Brutus,  who  freed  Rome." 

"  Oh,  my  friend,  you  have  spoken  truth,"  exclaimed  the 
Prince;  "  you  have  read  to  the  bottom  of  my  soul,  and  under- 
stood my  inmost  thoughts.  Now  am  I  glad  and  full  of  con- 
fidence, for  my  friend  and  teacher  will  never  doubt  me.  And 
hear  one  thing  more,  my  Leuchtmar.  You  must  accept  a 
memento  of  this  hour,  a  memento  which  I  prepared  even 
before  my  departure  from  The  Hague,  and  which  shall  be  to 
you  a  proof  of  my  gratitude.  I  am  poor  and  powerless,  and 
as  I  build  all  my  hopes  upon  the  future,  so  must  I  do  with  my 
presents  as  well.  You  must  accept  from  me  a  gift  of  my 
future,  friend.  I  know  full  well  that  what  you  have  done  for 
me  can  not  be  recompensed,  but  I  would  so  gladly  testify 
my  gratitude  to  you,  and  therefore  I  give  you  this  paper!  " 

He  drew  forth  a  paper  from  his  pocketbook,  and  handed 
it  to  Leuchtmar  with  a  friendly  smile.  "  Take  it  and  read," 
he  said. 

Baron  Leuchtmar  von  Kalkhun  took  the  paper,  and  fas- 
tened his  eyes  upon  the  words,  which  were  inscribed  in  large 
letters  on  the  outside. 

"A  Deed  of  Expectancy!  "  he  said,  astonished. 

The  Electoral  Prince  nodded.  "A  deed  of  expectancy, 
written  with  my  own  hand  and  sealed  with  my  own  signet 
ring.  Yes,  yes,  my  friend,  I  have  nothing  to  give  away  but 
expectations;  yet  if  the  Electoral  Prince  should  ever  become 
Elector,  he  will  convert  these  expectations  into  reality  and 
truth.  Now  unfold  the  paper,  and  see  what  manner  of  ex- 
pectation it  holds  out." 

"  An  act,  donating  the  feudal  tenure  of  Neuenhof,  lying 
within  the  territories  of  Cleves!  "  cried  Leuchtmar  joyfully. 
"  Oh,  my  dear  Prince,  that  is  truly  a  princely  gift!  " 

"  Yet  it  is  not  the  Prince,  but  the  grateful  scholar  who 
gives  it  to  you,"  said  Frederick  William,  "  and  in  proof  of 
this  I  have  written  these  words,  which  I  will  read  to  you  my- 
self."   He  bent  over  the  paper,  and  read:  "We  have  volun- 
15 


220  THE   UEIK  TO  THE  THRONE. 

tarily  and  with  duo  consideration  promised  and  engaged  to 
give  to  Baron  Leuehtmar  von  Kalkliun  this  estate  of  Neuen- 
hof,  out  of  the  particular  and  friendly  affection  which  we 
bear  to  him.  We  also  swear  that  if  we  hereafter  attain  to 
power  and  authority,  and  our  much-esteemed  Eomilian  von 
Leuehtmar  be  to  our  sorrow  cut  off  by  death,  we  in  the  same 
way  will  this  estate  to  his  eldest  son,  and  grant  him  the  en- 
joyment of  all  that  we  assigned  and  destined  for  his  father 
in  his  lifetime."  * 

"  That  is  indeed  to  carry  happiness  and  reward  beyond 
the  grave!  "  cried  Leuehtmar,  with  tears  in  his  eyes.  "Oh, 
I  thank  you,  my  Prince,  thank  you  from  my  inmost  soul,  for 
myself  and  my  children!  " 

"  You  have  nothing  at  all  to  thank  me  for,  friend,"  said 
the  Prince.  "  I  shall  ever  be  much  more  in  your  debt.  If, 
however,  I  some  day  become  a  good  Prince  to  my  country 
and  a  father  to  my  people,  then  you  must  reflect  that  this  is 
the  return  I  make  to  you,  my  teacher,  my  educator!  You 
see  I  hope  in  the  future,  and  think  that  I  shall  succeed  in 
evading  murderous  designs  and  fulfill  my  aims.  But,  indeed, 
your  warning  I  may  never  forget,  and  circumspect  I  must 
be  first  of  all.  Wear  a  mask,  as  Brutus  did!  Let  me  embrace 
you  once  more,  friend  Leuehtmar;  look  me  once  more  in  the 
eye.  And  now — I  hear  some  one  coming!  Farewell,  Leueht- 
mar! I  put  on  my  mask  and  not  for  a  moment  can  I  with- 
draw it  from  my  features." 


V. — Beuttts. 

The  door  was  now  opened,  a  valet  entered  and  announced, 
"  Her  highness  the  Electress! "  And  before  the  Electoral 
Prince  had  time  to  advance,  the  Electress  had  entered  the 
room. 

"  I  come  to  welcome  you  once  more,  my  Frederick! "  she 
cried,  stretching  out  her  arms  to  her  son.  "  Entirely  without 
*  von  Orlich,  History  of  the  State  of  Prussia,  vol.  i,  p.  42. 


BRUTUS.  221 

witnesses,  simply  as  his  mother  would  I  greet  my  son,  and 
tell  him  how  happy  I  am  that  he  is  once  more  here." 

She  flung  her  arms  around  her  son's  neck,  and  pressed 
him  ardently  to  her  bosom.  Baron  Leuchtmar,  who  upon 
the  Electress's  approach  had  stepped  aside,  now  crept  softly 
through  the  apartment  to  the  door,  and  was  already  in  the 
act  of  opening  it,  when  the  Electress  quickly  raised  her  head 
and  looked  around. 

"  Stay  where  you  are,  Baron  Leuchtmar,"  she  said;  "  why 
would  you  slip  away  from  us?  " 

"  I  may  not  presume  by  my  presence  to  disturb  the  con- 
fidential discourse  between  the  Electress  and  her  son." 

"  You  do  not  disturb  us  at  all,  for  you  belong  to  us,  Leucht- 
mar," replied  Charlotte  Elizabeth,  nodding  kindly  to  him. 
"  On  the  contrary,  I  will  tell  you  that  I  knew  you  were  here, 
and  came  here  on  that  verj'  account,  in  order  to  salute  you 
without  witnesses,  and  to  have  a  private  conversation  with 
you  and  my  son.  For  well  I  know,  Leuchtmar,  that  we  may 
confide  in  you,  and  that  you  belong  to  us — that  is  to  say,  to 
the  enemies  of  Schwarzenberg,  to  the  enemies  of  the  Imperial- 
ists and  Catholics,  to  the  friends  of  the  Swedes  and  Re- 
formers." 

"  Your  highness  may  be  well  assured  that  I  return  home 
just  as  I  went  away,"  said  Leuchtmar  earnestly — "  that  is  to 
say,  an  upright  Protestant,  a  true  Brandenburgher,  and  a 
determined  opponent  of  those  who  concluded  the  peace  of 
Prague,  and  thereby  separated  the  Elector  of  Brandenburg 
from  the  Swedes,  and  made  him  wholly  and  solely  subservient 
to  the  Emperor's  interests." 

"  You  will  not  name  Jiim,  the  evildoer,  who  has  brought 
this  to  pass,"  cried  the  Electress,  "but  I  will  name  him:  it 
is  Count  Schwarzenberg!  It  is  the  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark, 
who  has  brought  upon  us  all  this  mischief  and  disgrace,  who 
has  sundered  us  from  our  nearest  blood  relations,  the  family 
of  the  Swedish  King,  and  has  leagued  us  with  and  subjected 
us  to  those  who  are  our  sworn  enemies  and  adversaries,  the 
Imperialists,  the  Austrians.  Oh,  my  son!  promise  me  that 
you  will  some  day  take  vengeance  for  the  ignominy  and 
humiliation  which  we  must  now  undergo.    Swear  in  this  first 


222  THE  HEIR  TO   THE   THRONE. 

hour  of  your  return  home,  solemnly  Joining  hands  with  me, 
that  as  soon  as  you  come  into  power  the  first  act  of  your  gov- 
ernment shall  be  to  renounce  allegiance  to  the  Emperor  and 
to  ally  yourself  again  with  the  Swedes,  our  natural  allies." 

She  stretched  out  her  right  hand  to  her  son.  "  Swear,  my 
son!  "  she  cried,  solemnly,  "  give  me  your  hand  upon  it!  " 

But  Frederick  William  did  not  lay  his  hand  within  hers. 
He  drew  back,  declining  her  profi'ered  hand. 

"  Forgive  me,  my  dearest  mother,"  he  said,  "  forgive  me; 
but  I  can  not  swear,  for  I  do  not  know  whether  I  could  keep 
my  oath!  May  the  good  God  long  preserve  my  gracious 
father's  life,  and  grant  him  a  glorious  reign.  But  if  hereafter, 
and  surely  to  my  deepest  regret,  duty  and  the  right  of  suc- 
cession deliver  into  my  hands  the  reins  of  government,  then 
I  must  guide  them,  as  circumstances  direct,  as  determined 
by  the  contingencies  of  the  times  and  the  good  of  the  coun- 
try; and  I  dare  not  bind  myself  beforehand  by  any  given 
word  or  by  promises." 

"  You  refuse,  my  son,  to  promise  me  that  you  will  make 
amends  for  all  the  evil  done  by  that  wicked  enemy  of  your 
house,  your  family,  and  your  country?  " 

"  Dearest  mother,  I  know  not  of  whom  you  speak,  and 
who  it  is  that  has  burdened  himself  with  so  heinous  a  crime." 

With  impulsive  movement  the  Electress  laid  her  hand 
upon  his  arm,  and  looked  him  steadily  in  the  eye. 

"Are  you  dissembling,  or  is  that  the  truth?"  she  asked. 
"  You  do  not  know  of  whom  I  speak?  You  do  not  know  who 
is  the  enemy  of  your  house  and  family?  " 

"  I  am  trying  in  vain  to  study  it  out,  mother,  and  I  beg 
you  not  to  be  angry  with  me  on  that  account,  for  your  grace 
must  reflect  that  I  have  been  absent  almost  four  years,  and 
am  therefore  a  little  unacquainted  with  the  situation  of  affairs 
here.  If  you  had  addressed  that  question  to  me  before  my 
departure,  most  assuredly  I  should  have  replied  without  hesita- 
tion, '  It  is  Count  Schwarzenberg! '  But  I  have  since  then 
found  out  that  I  had  done  the  count  injustice  in  many  things 
through  my  inexperience  and  want  of  foresight;  that  he  is 
a  very  great  and  experienced  statesman  and  poUtician,  who 
with  his  far-seeing  glances  can  discern  much  more  clearly 


BRUTUS.  223 

than  I  with  my  unpracticed  eyes  the  relations  of  things. 
Who  knows  but  that,  after  all,  the  peace  of  Prague  has  been 
a  real  blessing  to  our  land.  When  I  behold  its  present  pitiable 
and  languishing  condition  as  a  neutral,  how  can  I  avoid  re- 
flecting with  liorror  upon  what  might  have  been  the  state 
of  things  had  we  joined  any  decided  war  party.  Had  we  sided 
with  the  Swedes,  the  enmity  of  the  powerful  Emperor,  vastly 
surpassing  us  in  material  resources,  would  long  since  have 
destroyed  us  root  and  branch,  and  my  dear  father  would  have 
most  probably  shared  the  same  lamentable  fate  as  the  Elector 
of  the  Palatinate,  his  brother-in-law,  or  the  Margrave  of  Lieg- 
nitz  and  Jagerndorf,  his  cousin.  He  must  have  wandered 
with  wife  and  children  an  exile  in  foreign  lands,  or  died  of 
grief  among  strangers.  On  the  other  hand,  had  we  sided 
with  the  Emperor  against  the  Swedes,  a  raging,  implacable  foe 
would  have  quartered  himself  in  the  heart  of  our  dominions, 
and  not  merely  Pomerania,  but  the  Mark  and  the  duchy  of 
Prussia  would  have  been  overrun  by  his  warlike  hordes.  But 
on  my  journey  hither  I  have  witnessed  the  misery  and  un- 
speakable wretchedness  of  our  land,  and  asked  myself  with 
heavy,  sorrowing  heart  what  would  have  become  of  our  un- 
happy country  in  times  of  war  if  neutrality  could  reduce  it 
to  such  poverty  and  plunge  it  in  such  want  and  suffering. 
And  then  I  was  forced  to  acknowledge  that  Count  Schwarzen- 
berg  had  acted  right  well  as  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark  in  wish- 
ing, before  all  things,  to  preserve  the  Mark  intrusted  to  him 
from  yet  greater  calamity,  by  holding  it  to  that  neutrality, 
being  alike  impartial  between  the  Emperor  and  the  Swedes. 
I  therefore  begged  his  pardon  in  my  heart  for  having  often 
accused  him  unjustly  before,  for  he  is  indeed  a  faithful  and 
zealous  servant  to  his  master,  and  especially  endeavors  to 
further  his  interests,  to  maintain  his  position,  and  to  con- 
sole him  in  these  times  of  affliction.  I  see,  too,  that  not 
merely  the  Elector  holds  him  in  high  estimation,  and  honors 
him  as  his  true  and  valued  counselor  and  friend,  but  that  my 
mother  as  well  has  taken  him  into  her  favor,  and  that  she 
has  quite  recovered  from  the  mistrust  with  which  she  pre- 
viously regarded  him.  For  surely  it  is  a  proof  of  great  favor 
when  the  Electrcss  allows  the  count  to  offer  presents  of  dresses 


224:  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

to  herself  and  her  daughters,  and  no  one  of  us  can  mistrust 
him,  who  so  cordially  rejoices  over  my  return  that  he  volun- 
teers to  celebrate  it  by  a  splendid  festival.  The  whole  Elec- 
toral family  has  accepted  the  invitation  to  this  festival, 
and  thereby  prove  to  Berlin,  yea,  to  the  whole  country, 
that  we  are  on  the  best  terms  with  the  Stadtholder,  and  that 
nothing  has  transpired  which  could  shake  our  confidence  in 
him.'" 

The  Electress  had  listened  to  her  son  with  ever-growing 
amazement.  Her  glances  had  grown  more  and  more  indig- 
nant; she  had  often  turned  from  her  son  to  Leuchtmar,  as  if 
to  read  in  his  features  whether  or  not  he  shared  her  astonish- 
ment and  irritation.  Now,  when  the  Prince  was  silent,  she 
stepped  across  to  Leuchtmar,  and  laid  her  hand  upon  his 
arm. 

"  Leuchtmar,"  she  asked  with  trembling  voice,  "  is  he  in 
earnest?  Has  he  actually  altered  so  entirely?  Has  he  really 
gone  over  to  our  enemies  and  adversaries?  " 

"  Most  gracious  lady,  the  Electoral  Prince  is  by  far  too 
tender  a  son  ever  to  become  alienated  from  his  mother,"  re- 
plied the  baron  earnestly. 

"  He  speaks  the  truth,  my  dearest  mother,"  exclaimed 
Frederick  William,  nearing  his  mother.  "  Never  could  I  alter 
toward  you,  never  forget  the  gratitude  and  love  I  owe  you, 
never  go  over  to  your  enemies  and  adversaries.  But  why 
should  we  caiTy  politics  into  private  life,  and  what  have 
Swedes  and  Imperialists,  Catholics  and  Reformers  to  do  with 
our  family  life  and  our  domestic  circle?  Let  us  hand  poli- 
tics over  to  those  whose  duty  it  is  to  deal  with  them;  let  us 
not  seek  to  meddle  in  the  government,  for  we  have  no  right 
to  do  so,  and  should  step  aside  for  those  who  understand  mat- 
ters far  better  than  we  do,  and  who  manage  the  machine  of 
state  with  as  much  foresight  as  wisdom.  I,  at  least,  am  de- 
termined to  hold  myself  aloof  from  all  such  burdensome 
affairs,  to  enjoy  my  youth  and  freedom,  and  I  thank  God  that 
I  have  not  to  bear  the  weight  of  administering  the  govern- 
ment, but  have  only  the  pleasant  task  allotted  me  of  permit- 
ting myself  to  be  governed!  " 

"  It  is  not  possible!  "  cried  the  Electress,  with  an  outburst 


BRUTUS.  225 

of  passion — "  no,  it  is  not  possible  that  my  son  can  so  speak 
and  think!  0  Leuchtmar!  what  have  you  made  of  my  son? 
Wlio  has  changed  him,  my  darling,  my  only  son?  I  hoped 
that  he  would  come  back  a  hero,  around  whom  would  cluster 
all  those  who  are  true  to  our  house,  our  faith,  and  our  father- 
land! I  hoped  that  in  him  I  should  find  a  refuge  against  the 
aggressions,  the  villainy,  and  the  wiles  of  my  enemy !  I  hoped 
that  the  son  would  succeed  in  winning  back  his  father's  heart, 
and  turning  him  against  that  proud  man  who  rules  him  en- 
tirely, and  who  will  crush  us  all.  0  God!  my  God!  for  three 
long  years  I  have  been  looking  forward  to  his  return  as  the 
time  of  vengeance  and  retribution,  and  now  that  son  is  here, 
and  what  do  I  find  in  him?  A  son  weakly  obedient  to  his 
father,  a  submissive  admirer  of  Count  Schwarzenberg,  a  weak- 
ling who  longs  not  at  all  for  honor  and  influence,  who  is  glad 
that  he  has  not  to  govern  and  work,  but  that  others  must 
govern  and  work  for  him!  Alas!  I  am  a  poor  mother,  and 
much  to  be  pitied,  for  in  vain  have  I  hoped  that  my  son  would 
assist  me  to  avenge  the  misfortunes  of  my  house,  and  punish 
and  bring  my  enemies  to  account!  " 

She  covered  her  face  with  her  hands,  weeping  aloud.  The 
Electoral  Prince  gave  her  a  look  of  mingled  grief  and  pain, 
took  one  hurried  step  forward,  as  if  he  would  go  to  her, 
and  encircle  her  in  his  arms,  then  paused,  retreated  slowly, 
gently,  ever  farther  from  the  spot  where  she  still  stood  with 
face  concealed  and  sobbing  aloud.  It  was  as  if  an  invisible 
hand  continually  drew  him  farther  from  his  mother,  ever 
nearer  the  door  of  the  antechamber.  Xow  he  stood  close  to 
it,  leaned  against  it,  and — was  the  old  castle  so  disjointed, 
or  had  the  Electoral  Prince  with  sudden  touch  pressed  upon 
the  latch? — the  door  flew  open.  The  Electoral  Prince  fell 
backward  into  the  antechamber,  and,  had  it  not  been  for  the 
Electress's  valet,  against  whom  he  stumbled,  would  have 
fallen  to  the  ground. 

"  By  my  faith!  "  he  cried,  while  he  nodded  to  the  lackey, 
who  stood  there  with  red  face  and  deep  embarrassment  of 
manner — "by  my  faith!  it  was  a  piece  of  good  luck  for  me 
that  you  were  standing  so  near  the  door,  my  friend,  else  I 
should  probably  have  had  a  bad  fall.    This  rickety  old  castle 


226  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

must  be  repaired.  One  can  not  even  lean  against  the  doors 
without  their  flying  open!  " 

He  nodded  to  the  hockey,  who  stood  there  in  confusion, 
not  having  at  all  recovered  his  self-possession,  and  stepped 
back  into  the  room.  In  passing,  his  eye  caught  that  of  Leucht- 
mar,  who  replied  by  a  nod  of  assent,  stolen  and  significant; 
then  he  approached  the  Electress,  who,  surprised  by  this  sud- 
den and  unexpected  interlude,  had  let  her  hands  glide  from 
before  her  face,  and  now  dried  her  tears. 

"  I  beg  my  revered  mother's  pardon  for  disturbing  her  so 
ridiculously,"  he  said,  seizing  her  hand  and  pressing  it  to 
his  lips.  "  It  was  not  my  fault,  and  only  occasioned  by  the 
insecure  fastening  upon  the  door.  It  was  by  a  right  for- 
tunate accident  that  your  grace  commanded  your  valet  to  sta- 
tion himself  close  to  the  door  of  the  cabinet,  for  he  thereby 
saved  me  from  an  unpleasant  fall." 

"  I  did  not  command  the  lackey  to  station  himself  in  your 
sleeping  apartment,"  said  the  Electress,  "  and  consider  it  con- 
trary to  all  rules  of  propriety." 

She  rapidly  crossed  the  study  and  opened  the  door  just 
as  the  lackey  was  slinking  through  the  one  opposite. 

"Frederick,  come  here!"  cried  the  Electress,  and  with 
head  sunk  and  humbled  mien  the  lackey  came  a  few  paces 
nearer. 

"  Did  I  not  order  you  to  wait  for  me  in  the  antechamber, 
and  to  forewarn  us  of  the  approach  of  any  one  else?  "  asked 
the  Electress. 

"  Your  highness,"  replied  the  lackey  humbly,  "  I  followed 
your  grace's  orders  exactly,  and  stood  here  in  the  antechamber 
and  kept  guard,  but  nobody  came." 

"  But  this  is  not  the  antechamber,  you  blockhead!  "  cried 
the  Electress.  "  It  is  there,  without!  Go  out  there  and 
wait! " 

The  lackey  made  haste  to  obey  the  order  given  him,  and 
the  Electress  turned  to  the  Prince.  "  I  beg  you,  my  son,  to 
pardon  the  man  his  stupidity,"  said  she;  "  but  he  deserves 
some  indulgence  in  so  far  as  he  has  only  been  in  our  service 
for  a  short  while,  and  consequently  is  not  well  acquainted 
•with  the  plan  of  the  palace.    My  valet  fell  sick  on  the  journey 


BRUTUS.  227 

from  Konigsberg  here,  and  we  were  obliged  to  leave  him  be- 
hind, which  was  so  much  the  more  inconvenient  as  he  was 
our  hairdresser  besides,  and  understood  how  to  arrange  the 
Elector's  hair  as  well  as  my  own  and  the  young  ladies'.  Count 
Schwarzenberg  heard  of  it,  and  by  a  piece  of  good  fortune, 
was  able  to  spare  us  one  of  his  valets." 

"Oh!"  cried  the  Electoral  Prince,  smiling.  "  Tliis  fel- 
low, then,  has  been  transferred  from  the  Stadtholder's  service 
to  that  of  your  grace?  " 

"  Yes,  and  I  must  say  that  he  is  a  very  useful  and  etiicient 
servant,  who  understands  all  the  newest  styles  of  French 
hairdressing,  and  is  well  skilled  in  other  ways  also.  I  beg  you 
therefore  to  excuse  him  for  this  little  mistake." 

"  He  is  perfectly  excusable,"  said  the  Electoral  Prince, 
bowing.  "  So  much  the  more  excusable,  as  it  might  well 
happen  that  he  is  not  yet  familiar  with  this  castle." 

"  It  is  true,"  cried  the  Electress,  casting  her  eyes  around 
the  room,  "  it  does  look  a  little  dilapidated  and  desolate  here, 
and  care  ought  indeed  to  have  been  taken  to  refurnish  your 
apartments  and  give  them  a  more  comfortable  aspect.  You 
Imow,  Frederick,  we  only  expect  to  tarry  here  for  a  short 
time,  and  think  of  returning  to  Prussia  very  soon,  and  there 
I  shall  see  myself  that  you  are  provided  with  handsomer  and 
more  commodious  rooms.  There  I  am  the  princely  lady  of 
the  house,  and  everywhere  reigning  duchess,  while  here,  in 
the  resident  palace  of  Berlin,  I  seem  to  myself  only  a  guest, 
who  has  nothing  at  all  to  say  in  the  directing  of  the  house- 
hold, but  must  silently  acquiesce  in  everything.  And  it  is  so, 
too,  and  has  come  to  this  pass,  that  the  Stadtholder  in  the 
Mark  is  the  only  ruling  lord  and  commander,  and  the  Elector 
seems  to  come  here  only  as  the  Stadtholder's  guest." 

"  The  Stadtholder,  though,  seems  at  least  a  right  polite 
and  splendid  host,"  remarked  the  Electoral  Prince,  smihng, 
"  a  host  who  lays  himself  out  to  attend  to  the  comfort  and 
entertainment — nay,  even  to  the  wardrobes — of  his  noble 
guests." 

"  Your  Electoral  Highnesses!  "  cried  an  advancing  lackey 
— "your  Electoral  Highnesses,  the  steward  of  the  household 
is  without,  and  announce?  that  dinner  is  served,  and  that  the 


228  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

Elector  and  tlie  young  ladies  have  already  repaired  to  the 
dining  hall." 

''  Then  let  us  go  too,  my  son,"  said  the  Electress,  offering 
her  hand  to  the  Electoral  Prince. 

"  But,  most  gracious  mother,  I  still  have  on  my  traveling 

suit,  and " 

"  My  son,"  sighed  the  Electress,  "  your  traveling  suit  is 
so  showy  and  elegant  that  I  can  only  wish  that  in  the  future 
your  court  dress  may  always  be  so  handsome.  Come,  give 
me  your  arm,  and  let  us  hurry,  for  your  father  does  not  like 
to  be  kept  waiting,  and  is  very  punctual  at  mealtimes.  You, 
Baron  von  Leuchtmar,  follow  us.  We  herewith  invite  you 
to  be  our  guest,  and  to  accompany  us  to  table." 

The  Electress  took  the  Prince's  proffered  arm,  and  swept 
through  the  door  held  open  for  her  by  the  lackey.  The  steward 
of  the  household,  who  had  awaited  them  in  the  antechamber, 
golden  staff  in  hand,  now  preceded  them,  the  lackeys  flew  be- 
fore them  to  open  the  doors,  and  through  a  suite  of  gloomy, 
deserted  rooms,  with  old-fashioned,  dusty,  and  half-decayed 
furniture,  moved  the  princely  pair,  followed  by  Baron  von 
Leuchtmar,  behind  whom  strutted  the  lackeys  at  a  respectful 
distance.  The  Elector  stood  with  the  two  Princesses  in  the 
deep  recess  of  the  great  window,  when  his  wife  and  son  en- 
tered; he  greeted  them  both  with  a  short  nod  of  the  head, 
and,  casting  a  dark,  unfriendly  glance  at  Baron  von  Leucht- 
mar, who  was  reverentially  approaching  him,  gave  his  arm 
to  his  wife,  and  led  her  to  the  two  upper  places  at  the  oblong 
table. 

"  It  seems  our  son  can  not  dispense  with  his  tutor,"  said 
he,  in  a  low,  peevish  tone  of  voice  to  the  Electress.  "He 
brings  his  tutor  to  dine  with  us,  as  if  it  were  a  matter  of 
course." 

"  I  beg  your  pardon,  George,"  whispered  the  Electress.  "  I 
invited  the  baron,  whom  I  found  in  our  son's  room.  Do  me 
the  favor  to  receive  him  affably.  He  has  bestowed  much 
labor  and  love  upon  our  son,  and  has  ever  been  a  faithful 
servant  to  us." 

"  To  you,  perhaps,  but  not  to  me,"  muttered  the  Elector, 
while  he  allowed  himself  to  sink  down  in  his  great,  round 


BRUTUS.  229 

easychair,   thereby   giving   the   signal   for   dinner    to    com- 
mence. 

The  hours  of  dinner  were  usually  those  in  which  George 
Wilham  was  accustomed  to  dismiss  all  the  cares  and  anxieties 
of  government,  and  to  give  himself  up  with  cheerful  counte- 
nance to  harmless  conversation  with  his  wife  and  daughters. 
At  times  he  even  loved  to  carry  on  a  lively  chat  with  those 
court  officials  who  were  present  at  the  table,  or  to  amuse 
himself  with  hearing  their  recital  of  the  events  of  the  day  or 
the  gossip  of  the  town.  But  to-day  the  Elector  remained 
gloomy  and  taciturn.  He  left  it  to  his  wife  to  lead  the  con- 
versation, and  get  from  the  Electoral  Prince  accounts  of  her 
dear  relations  at  the  Dutch  court.  The  Prince  answered  all 
her  questions,  confining  himself  meanwhile  to  the  duly  neces- 
sary, and  never  spontaneously  adding  anything  or  entering 
into  any  details  as  to  his  own  life  and  residence  at  the  court 
of  Holland.  The  Elector  continued  to  listen  in  moody  silence, 
and  this  reserve  on  the  part  of  his  son  seemed  to  put  him  still 
more  out  of  humor.  His  face  continually  grew  darker,  and 
he  even  disdainfully  pushed  away  untasted  his  favorite  dish, 
a  wild  boar's  head,  served  up  with  lemons  in  its  mouth,  after 
it  had  been  presented  to  him  for  the  third  time. 

"  You  have  been  beating  about  the  bush  long  enough  now, 
Eleetress!  "  he  cried  warmly.  "  You  have  made  inquiries 
after  all  possible  things,  except  the  principal  matter  and  per- 
son in  whom  you  are  at  bottom  most  interested.  It  might 
have  been  expected  that  our  Electoral  Prince  would  have 
.begun  himself,  since  '  out  of  the  abundance  of  the  heart  the 
mouth  speaketh.'  But  our  young  gentleman  remains  ele- 
gantly monosyllabic,  and  it  would  seem  that  he  is  not  at  all 
overjoyed  upon  his  return  to  the  poverty-stricken,  quiet  house 
of  his  father.  It  is  true,  he  has  lived  in  much  handsomer 
stvle  at  the  Orange  court,  lived  there,  indeed,  amid  plenty 
and  pleasure — by  the  way,  we  can  sing  a  little  song  on  that 
subject,  for  our  son  has  seen  well  to  the  outlay,  but  the  pay- 
ment all  fell  to  the  lot  of  us  at  home.  But  now,  sir.  now  tell 
us  a  little  of  the  petty  court  at  Doornward,  of  our  sister-in- 
law,  the  widowed  Countess  of  the  Palatinate,  and  finally,  what 
I  know  your  mother  thinks  the  principal  thing,  finally  tell  us 


230  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

also  about  lier  beautiful  and  fascinating  daughter,  the  Princess 
Ludovicka  Ilollandine." 

The  Prince  slightly  shuddered.  At  the  mention  of  this 
name,  which  he  had  not  heard  since  his  departure  from  The 
Hague,  he  could  not  prevent  the  ebbing  of  all  his  heart's 
blood,  and  a  deadly  pallor  overspread  his  cheeks.  He  cast 
down  his  eyes,  and  yet  felt  that  all  eyes  were  turned  upon 
him  with  questioning,  curious  glances.  But  this  very  con- 
sciousness restored  to  him  his  self-possession  and  composure. 
Once  more  he  raised  his  head  with  a  vigorous  start,  shook 
back  into  their  place  the  brown  locks  which  had  fallen  down 
over  forehead  and  cheeks,  and  met  the  Elector's  looks  of  in- 
quiry with  a  full,  intrepid  gaze. 

"  Most  gracious  father,"  he  said,  with  quiet,  passionless 
voice,  "  very  little  can  be  said  about  the  petty  court  of  Doorn- 
ward.  Our  aunt,  the  Electress  of  the  Palatinate,  reflects  with 
sorrow  upon  the  past;  the  three  Princesses,  her  daughters, 
and  their  three  little  brothers,  reflect  with  hope  upon  the 
future,  and  of  the  present  therefore  but  little  is  to  be  told." 

"  They  must  be  very  beautiful,  those  Princesses  of  the 
Palatinate,  are  they  not?  "  asked  the  Elector. 

"  I  believe  they  are,"  replied  the  Prince  composedly. 

"  He  only  believes  so!  "  cried  his  father.  "  Just  see  how 
they  have  slandered  him,  for  they  would  have  had  us  believe 
that  he  knew  exactly,  and  was  quite  peculiarly  edified  by  the 
beauty  of  the  Princesses  of  the  Palatinate." 

"And  why  should  he  not  have  been,  your  highness?" 
asked  the  Electress,  smiling.  "  The  Princesses  of  the  Palati- 
nate are  our  own  cousins,  and  it  seems  very  natural,  surely, 
that  he  should  have  a  cordial,  cousinly  regard  for  them." 

"Maybe,  Electress!  "  cried  George  William,  "but  it  were 
to  be  wished  that  it  had  stopped  there!  I  should  like,  there- 
fore, to  hear  something  about  the  Princess  Ludovicka  Hol- 
landine.  Is  she,  indeed,  so  very  fair  as  report  represents  her 
to  be?" 

"  Yes,"  replied  the  Prince,  with  husky  voice — "  yes,  she  is 
very  fair.  Only  question  Leuchtmar  on  the  subject;  he  can 
confirm  what  I  say." 

"  I  prefer  to  question  yourself,"  said  the  Elector,  with  in- 


BRUTUS.  231 

exorable  cruelty,  "  and  to  learn  something  more  concerning 
your  fair  cousin  from  your  own  lips.  We  have  been  informed 
that  the  Princess  Ludovicka  Hollandine  is  a  very  lively,  merry 
young  lady,  and  that  she  is  by  no  means  disinclined  to  become 
our  daughter-in-law." 

"  But,  my  husband,"  pleaded  the  Electress  in  an  under- 
tone, ''  you  would  not  speak  of  such  confidential  matters  in 
the  presence  of  our  court,  and " 

"Ah,  Electress!"  interrupted  George  William,  "these 
confidential  matters  have  been  bruited  abroad  everywhere; 
the  talk  has  been,  not  merely  here  at  Berhn,  but  throughout 
the  land,  yea,  even  so  far  as  the  imperial  court  at  Vienna,  that 
our  son  meant  to  surprise  us  on  his  return  from  the  ISTether- 
lands  by  presenting  to  us  the  Princess  Ludovicka  Hollandine 
as  his  wife,  without  appl3'ing  to  us  beforehand  for  our  con- 
sent. I  therefore  desire  that  the  Electoral  Prince  answer  me 
openly  and  candidly,  that  we  may  all  know  once  and  forever 
how  the  matter  stands,  and  what  we  have  to  expect.  The 
good,  gossiping  city  of  Berlin,  the  whole  land,  even  the  im- 
perial court  and  the  whole  world,  which  seems  to  interest 
itself  so  much  in  the  marriage  of  our  Prince,  will  then  soon 
have  an  opportunity  of  learning  directly  and  reliably  what 
is  the  state  of  affairs,  and  that  is  exactly  what  seems  to  me 
desirable,  and  was  the  motive  for  our  question.  Therefore, 
let  our  son  tell  us  how  matters  stand  between  the  Princess 
Ludovicka  Hollandine  and  himself." 

The  Electoral  Prince  sat  with  downcast  eyes.  His  cheeks 
were  still  deadly  pale,  and  on  his  high,  broad  brow  rested  a 
threatening  cloud.  He  put  his  hand  around  the  stem  of  the 
large  glass  goblet  before  him,  and  held  it  so  firmly  that  the 
glass  broke  with  startling  clangor  and  poured  its  purple  wine 
upon  the  tablecloth.  The  shrill  clinking  seemed  to  rouse 
him  from  his  reverie;  with  a  hasty  movement  he  threw  a 
napkin  over  the  red  stain,  and  again  raised  his  eyes,  slowly 
and  tranquilly. 

"  Your  Electoral  Highnesses  desire  me  to  tell  you  the 
trill h  with  regard  to  all  the  reports  circulated  as  to  a  marriage 
between  the  Princess  Ludovicka  Hollandine  and  myself," 
he  said.    "  I  will,  therefore,  as  becomes  an  obedient  and  sub- 


232  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

missive  son,  acquaint  you  with  the  truth.  And  the  truth  is 
this/'  he  continued,  with  raised  voice,  while  at  the  same  time 
Ms  cheeks  became  suddenly  scarlet  and  his  eyes  flashed  with 
the  fire  of  inspiration — "  the  truth  is  this:  the  Princess  Ludo- 
vicka  Hollandine  is  the  prettiest,  sweetest  woman  in  the  whole 
world;  happy  and  enviable  is  the  man  whose  fortunate  des- 
tiny will  permit  him  to  take  her  home  as  his  bride,  blessed 
above  all  men  he  on  whom  this  noble,  fascinating,  and  amiable 
girl  bestows  her  love,  whom  she  allows  to  enjoy  the  treasures 
of  her  mind  and  heart.  Your  highness  said  that  the  Princess 
Hollandine  was  not  ill  inclined  to  become  your  daughter-in- 
law.  On  that  point  I  can  give  you  no  information,  for  I  per- 
ceived nothing  of  this  inclination;  but  this  I  can  and  must 
confess,  that  I  experienced  the  most  glowing  desire  to  make 
the  Princess  your  daughter-in-law;  this  I  must  confess,  that 
I  have  loved  the  beautiful,  witty,  and  charming  Princess  Hol- 
landine with  my  whole  soul  and  from  the  very  depths  of  my 
heart.  But  never  would  I  have  ventured  to  make  the  noble 
Princess  my  wife  in  opposition  to  your  will,  father;  and  since 
I  must  admit  that  a  union  with  her  is  not  in  accordance  with 
your  wishes,  and  that  it  is  opposed  by  policy  and  state  reasons, 
I  have  obediently  submitted  to  your  orders,  and  brought  to 
you  and  my  country  the  greatest  and  holiest  of  sacrifices  that 
a  man  can  offer:  I  have  sacrificed  my  love  to  you,  father! 
It  has  indeed  been  a  bitter  struggle  with  me,  and  I  do  not 
deny  that  I  yet  suffer,  but  I  shall  conquer  my  pain;  yet  that 
I  can  ever  forget  the  Princess  Ludovicka  Hollandine,  I  can 
not  promise,  for  he  who  has  truly  loved  never  forgets.  You 
have  desired  me  to  acquaint  you  with  the  truth,  father,  now 
you  know  it.  Let  it  now  be  blazoned  forth  through  all  Berlin, 
through  the  whole  country,  even  as  far  as  the  imperial  court 
of  Vienna,  and  through  the  whole  world.  The  Princess  Ludo- 
vicka also  will  then  hear  of  it,  and  the  report  of  this  confession 
of  my  love  will  reach  her.  But  let  rumor  announce  this  one 
thing  more  to  the  Emperor,  to  our  country,  and  to  her:  that, 
while  the  Electoral  Prince  Frederick  William  of  Brandenburg 
could,  indeed,  give  Tip  a  marriage  with  a  Princess  whom  he 
loved,  out  of  respect  and  obedience  to  his  father,  he  never 
will  take  as  his  wife  a  princess  whom  he  does  not  love,  out  of 


BRUTUS.  233 

obedience  and  respect;  that  the  Electoral  Prince  thinks  him- 
self much  too  young  and  inexperienced  to  marry,  and  that  he 
most  humbly  implores  his  father  to  spare  him  the  considera- 
tion of  all  matrimonial  projects  for  long  years  to  come,  since 
he  is  firmly  determined  not  to  marry  yet,  and  this,  indeed, 
not  out  of  any  refractoriness  toward  his  father,  nor  out  of 
any  want  of  veneration  for  the  princesses  who  might  be  pro- 
posed to  him,  but  merely  because  his  heart  has  received  a  sore 
wound,  and  because  this  must  first  heal.  But  I  do  not  re- 
proach the  Princess  Ludovicka  Hollandine  with  having  in- 
flicted this  wound.  On  the  contrary,  I  speak  it  aloud,  and 
may  my  speech  penetrate  to  her  ears  as  a  parting  salutation: 
Blessed  be  the  Princess  Ludovicka  Hollandine  of  the  Palati- 
nate, and  may  God  send  her  the  happiness  she  deserves  so 
richly  by  her  beauty,  intellect,  and  goodness  of  heart !  " 

And,  carried  away  by  his  own  warmth  and  enthusiasm, 
forgetting  all  sense  of  restraint  in  this  moment  of  highest 
excitement,  Frederick  William  jumped  up  from  his  seat,  took 
up  in  his  hand  the  unbroken  cup  of  the  glass  whose  foot  he 
had  smashed,  and  filled  it  to  the  brim  with  wine. 

"  Most  gracious  mother!  "  he  cried,  "  look  here!  the  base 
of  this  goblet  is  broken  off,  and  an  apt  symbol  it  is  of  my  love. 
With  the  last  wine  which  this  glass  will  ever  hold  let  me  drink 
a  last  farewell  to  my  love,  and  do  you  pledge  her  with  me: 
To  the  health  of  the  Princess  Ludovicka  Hollandine  of  the 
Palatinate!  " 

The  Electress  had  listened  to  her  son  with  tears  in  her 
eyes,  and  the  two  Princesses  also  had  been  deeply  moved  by 
the  vehement  and  painful  recital  of  their  brother's  loA'e.  N"ow, 
upon  his  invitation,  spoken  with  so  much  ardor  and  enthusi- 
asm, the  Electress  rose  from  her  seat  and  took  her  glass  in 
her  hand;  the  Princesses  folloAved  her  example. 

"  To  the  health  of  the  Princess  Ludovicka  Hollandine  of 
the  Palatinate!  "  said  the  Electress,  with  full,  distinct  voice, 
and  the  young  ladies  repeated  it  after  her. 

"Here  is  to  her  health!"  cried  Frederick  William,  with 
animaterl  features  and  beaming  eyes.  "  May  she  be  great, 
happy,  and  blessed  forever!  " 

At  one  draught  he  emptied  the  chalice,  then,  in  the  fervor 


234  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

of  the  moment,  forgetting  all  discretion,  he  threw  the  glass 
backward  over  his  shoulder  into  the  hall,  so  that  it  fell,  with 
a  crash,  shivered  to  atoms,  upon  the  floor. 

The  Elector  rose,  his  face  flushed  with  passion,  and  vio- 
lently rolled  his  chair  back  from  the  table.  "  Dinner  is  over," 
he  said.    "  May  this  meal  be  blessed  to  all!  " 

The  court  officials  bowed  low  and  withdrew.  Herr  von 
Leuchtmar  also  made  a  motion  as  if  to  go,  but  George  Wil- 
liam's call  detained  him.  "  Come  here,"  he  said  imperiously; 
"  I  have  still  a  couple  of  words  to  speak  with  you.  Just  tell 
me.  Baron  Leuchtmar  von  Kalkhun,  is  it  you  who  have  taught 
the  Electoral  Prince  such  singular  manners,  or  are  those  the 
fine  fashions  which  he  has  been  used  to  at  the  Orange  court? 
Is  it  the  custom  there  to  make  scandal  at  table,  and  to  throw 
glasses  behind  them?  " 

"Your  Electoral  Highness,"  replied  Leuchtmar  hesitat- 
ingly, "  I  do  not  know " 

"  Permit  me,  most  gracious  father,"  interposed  the  Elec- 
toral Prince,  while  he  most  respectfully  drew  near  to  his 
father — "  permit  me  to  answer  you  on  that  point  myself.  No, 
it  is  not  the  fashion  to  behave  so  strangely  at  the  Netherland 
court,  and  God  forbid  that  my  former  tutor,  Baron  von 
Leuchtmar,  should  have  taught  me  such  ill  manners.  It  was 
only  my  heart,  which  for  the  moment  was  stronger  than  any 
form  or  fashion,  and  I  pray  you  to  forgive  it,  for  henceforth  it 
shall  be  right  good  and  quiet,  and  not  even  cause  it  to  be  re- 
marked that  it  still  beats." 

The  Elector  only  answered  by  a  silent  nod  of  the  head, 
and  then  turned  again  to  the  baron. 

"  Leuchtmar,"  he  said,  "  I  have  now  a  few  words  to  ad- 
dress to  you,  and,  had  you  not  appeared  here  to-day,  I  should 
have  been  obliged  to  have  had  you  summoned  to-morrow  to 
tell  you  what  I  have  to  say.  You  have  brought  the  Electoral 
Prince  back  to  us,  a  young  gentleman,  who  has  outgrown  the 
schoolroom  and  needs  no  tutor;  let  life  then  receive  him  into 
its  school  and  play  the  tutor  for  him.  But  he  has  outgrown 
you  and  your  protection,  and  your  office  is  herewith  at  an 
end.  I  might  wish,  indeed,  to  retain  you  still  near  the  person 
of  my  son,  and  so  I  could  have  done  if  the  Electoral  Prince 


BRUTUS.  235 

had  married,  and  we  had  set  up  a  princely  establishment  for 
him,  as  would  have  become  his  rank.  But  the  Electoral 
Prince's  distinct  declaration  that  he  will  not  marry  for  some 
years,  even  if  we  should  desire  it,  is  welcome  to  us  in  so  far 
as  we  shall  not  have  to  give  him  a  separate  household,  which 
would  have  been  rather  hard  upon  us  in  these  times  of  sore 
embarrassment.  The  Electoral  Prince  will  therefore  reside 
at  our  court,  simply  and  quietly  as  we  ourselves,  and  we  can 
not  provide  liim  separate  attendants.  Therefore,  you  are 
honorably  dismissed  from  your  office,  and  it  will  suit  us  no 
longer  to  confine  you  to  our  household.  You  are  free  to  seek 
another  master,  another  office,  and  we  herewith  dismiss  you 
forever  from  our  service.  It  will  not,  indeed,  be  difficult  for 
you  to  find  another  service,  and,  since  you  are  so  well  disposed 
to  the  Swedes,  you  would  do  best  to  repair  to  The  Hague,  or, 
indeed,  to  Sweden  itself." 

"  If  Baron  von  Leuchtmar  will  do  that,"  exclaimed  the 
Electress,  "  he  shall  not  want  for  recommendations  from  me, 
and  my  uncle  the  Stadtholder  will  surely  esteem  it  a  privilege 
to  receive  into  his  service  a  man  so  pre-eminently  wise,  learned, 
and  trustworthy  as  Baron  von  Leuchtmar.  I  will  at  any  time 
write  on  the  subject  to  the  Stadtholder  of  Holland,  and  tell 
him  what  a  debt  of  gratitude  we  owe  you,  and  how  little  able 
we  are  to  requite  you.  We  shall  further  entreat  him  to  do 
what  is,  alas!  impossible  for  us — to  give  you  a  good,  honor- 
able, and  lucrative  position  for  the  whole  of  your  life." 

"  I  thank  your  highness  out  of  a  sincere  soul  for  so  great 
a  favor,"  softly  replied  Leuchtmar.  "  Meanwhile  I  do  not 
intend  to  go  into  any  other  service,  but  to  content  myself  with 
quiet  retirement  in  the  bosom  of  my  own  family." 

"  Do  just  as  you  choose,"  said  the  Elector,  "  and  may  good 
fortune  attend  you  everywhere.  Electress,  give  me  your  arm, 
and  let  us  withdraw  to  our  own  apartments.  And  he,  our  son, 
will  doubtless,  first  of  all,  have  to  take  a  most  touching  and 
tearful  farewell  of  Leuchtmar,  and  sing  a  mournful  ditty 
about  the  cruel  father  who  woiild  take  away  from  him  his 
nurse — that  is  to  say,  his  tutor." 

"  No,  most  gracious  father,"  cried  the  Electoral  Prince, 

laughing,  "  I  shall  sing  no  mournful  ditty,  but  cheerfully 
16 


236  THE   IIEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

second  your  decision.  It  is  quite  fine  to  have  no  longer  a  tutor 
at  one's  side,  for  it  makes  one  feel  as  If  he  were  indeed  a 
oro\vn-up  man,  no  more  in  need  of  a  governor;  and  as  to  that 
touching  and  tearful  parting,  that  is  by  no  means  called  for. 
Herr  von  Leuchtmar  and  I  have  had  some  hot  disputes  lately 
on  the  subject  of  noble  poUtics.  He  was  too  much  of  a  Swede 
for  me,  I  too  much  of  an  Imperialist  for  him,  and  those  two 
tilings  accord  not  well  together,  as  you  know  yourself.  Mean- 
while, farewell.  Baron  von  Leuchtmar,  and  for  all  the  good 
you  have  done  me  accept  my  best  thanks!  And  now  a  last 
embrace,  and  then  God  go  with  you,  Herr  von  Leuchtmar!  " 

He  flung  his  arms  around  Leuchtmar's  neck,  and  pressed 
him  closely  to  his  heart.  "  Farewell,  my  dear  friend,"  he 
whispered,  "farewell;  we  shall  meet  again!" 

"  We  shall  meet  again,  my  Brutus,"  said  Leuchtmar,  quite 
softly,  and  laid  his  hand  upon  the  Prince's  brow,  blessing 
him. 

Frederick  William  felt  the  tears  gush  from  his  heart  to 
his  eyes,  and  with  a  brusque  movement  repelled  the  baron. 
"Farewell!"  he  repeated  hoarsely,  then  hurried  with  quick 
steps  through  the  dining  hall  to  the  door. 

"  Frederick  William,  come  with  us! "  cried  the  Elector, 
but  the  Prince  did  not  or  would  not  hear  his  call.  He  hurried 
through  the  antechamber  and  the  long  corridor,  and  when  he 
had  gained  the  solitude  of  his  own  gloomy  apartments,  and 
not  until  then,  rang  forth  from  his  breast  the  long  restrained 
scream  of  agony,  streamed  from  his  eyes  the  long-restrained 
tears.  He  sank  down  upon  the  old  creaking  armchair  and 
wept  bitterly. 


VI. — Rebecca. 

"  Well,  Master  Gabriel  ISTietzel,  here  you  are,"  said  Count 
Schwarzenberg,  greeting  the  painter,  who  had  just  entered, 
with  a  gracious  nod.  "  And  it  must  be  granted  that  you  are 
a  very  punctual  man,  for  I  agreed  to  meet  you  here  at  Span- 


REBECCA.  237 

dow  by  twelve  o'clock,  and  only  hear,  the  clock  is  just  now- 
striking  the  hour/' 

"  Most  gracious  sir,  that  comes  from  my  already  having 
stood  an  hour  before  the  gates  of  your  palace,  waiting  for  the 
blessed  moment  to  arrive  when  I  might  enter.  I  have  been 
gazing  this  whole  hour  up  at  the  dialplate  of  the  steeple  clock, 
and  it  seemed  to  me  as  if  an  eternity  of  torture  would  elapse 
while  the  great  hour  hand  slowly,  oh,  so  slowly,  made  its  cir- 
cuit of  sixty  minutes." 

"  You  are  a  queer  creature!  "  cried  Count  Schwarzen- 
berg,  shrugging  his  shoulders.  "  Romantic  as  a  young  girl, 
full  of  virtuous  desires,  and  yet  not  at  all  loath  to  commit 
certain  delicate  little  crimes,  and  to  pass  off  copies  for  origi- 
nals, and  that  not  merely  pictures  on  canvas,  but  pictures  in 
flesh  and  blood  as  well.  For  what  else  is  your  Eebecca  but 
the  copy  of  a  respectable,  decent  matron,  whom  you  thought 
to  smuggle  in  as  an  original,  while  in  reality  she  is  nothing 
but  a  copy." 

"  In  the  eyes  of  the  law  and  the  Stadtholder  perhaps,  but 
not  in  the  eyes  of  God  and  of  him  who  loves  her  more  than 
his  life  and  his  eternal  salvation,  for  he  is  ready,  in  order  to 
possess  her,  to  renounce  even  his  honor  and  his  peace  of  con- 
science. Oh,  your  excellency,  be  pitiful  now  and  let  me  see 
my  Eebecca.  You  have  given  me  your  word,  and  you  will  not 
be  so  cruel  as  to  break  your  promise." 

"  I  promised  you  nothing  further  than  that  I  would  in- 
trust certain  damaged  pictures  to  you  for  repairing,  and  that 
I  would  show  you  a  picture  which  might  perhaps  be  familiar 
to  you — that  was  all.  I  shall  perform  my  promise,  and  that 
immediately.  But  first,  just  tell  me  how  you  are  progressing 
with  the  painting  T  ordered  of  you.  Perhaps  you  have  already 
with  you  some  sketch  of  it?  It  would  be  peculiarly  pleasant 
to  me,  for  on  the  day  after  to-morrow  I  give  a  fete  in  my  palace 
at  Berlin,  and  it  would  be  quite  opportune  if  I  could  then  lay 
the  sketch  before  the  dear  Electoral  Prince,  wlio  is  to  honor 
tlie  fete  with  his  presence.  He  is  a  connoisseur,  and  interests 
himself  greatly  in  such  things.  Say,  then,  how  comes  on  your 
sketch,  and  can  it  be  completed  by  that  time?  " 

"  It  can,  noble  sir!    But  it  is  not  possible  for  me  to  speak 


238  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE, 

about  that  now,  for  my  thoughts  are  wandering  and  tny  heari 
beats  as  though  'twere  hke  to  burst.  If  I  am  to  become  a 
reasonable  man  once  more,  let  me — first  of  all " 

"  See  the  picture  which  I  promised  to  show  you?  "  inter- 
posed the  count.  "  A¥ell,  then,  you  shall  see  it,  Master  Gabriel 
Xietzel.  Eemember,  though,  that  I  only  show  it  to  you  on 
condition  that  you  examine  it  in  silence.  So  soon  as  you  shall 
venture  to  speak  to  it,  it  vanishes,  and  you  see  it  never  more. 
One  has  to  prescribe  strict  regulations  to  you,  for  you  are  such 
an  odd  fellow,  freely  entertaining  bad  thoughts,  but  shrinking 
from  bad  deeds  like  an  innocent  child.  But  you  shall  prove 
to  me  by  deeds  that  you  are  in  earnest  about  making  amends 
for  your  crime  against  me,  the  world,  the  laws,  and  the  Church- 
Only  when  you  have  done  the  right  thing  shall  you  again 
obtain  your  beloved  and  your  child,  and  may  depart  un- 
hindered from  this  country.  Mark  that,  Master  Nietzel;  and 
now  come.    Follow  me  to  my  picture  gallery." 

He  nodded  smilingly  to  the  painter,  and  led  the  way  out 
of  the  cabinet  and  through  a  suite  of  magnificent  apartments. 
At  the  end  of  these  they  entered  a  spacious,  lofty  hall,  whose 
walls  were  hung  with  great  paintings. 

"  This  is  my  picture  gallery,"  said  the  count  on  entering; 
"  now  look  and  be  silent!  " 

Gabriel  Nietzel  remained  standing  near  the  door,  and 
leaned  against  one  of  its  pillars.  He  could  proceed  no  farther, 
his  knees  shook  so,  and  all  the  blood  in  his  body  seemed  to 
concentrate  in  head  and  heart.  He  shut  his  eyes,  for  it  seemed 
to  him  that  he  must  expire  that  very  moment.  But  finally, 
by  a  mighty  effort  of  will,  he  conquered  this  passionate  emo- 
tion, slowly  opened  his  eyes,  and  ventured  to  cast  a  weary, 
wandering  glance  through  the  hall.  How  wonderfully  solemn 
this  broad,  handsome  room  seemed  to  him,  and  how  devout 
and  prayerful  was  his  mind!  A  mild,  clear  light  fell  from 
the  glass  cupola  above,  which  alone  illuminated  the  hall,  and 
displayed  the  pictures  on  the  walls  to  the  best  advantage.  In 
the  middle  of  the  room,  beside  the  splendid  porphyry  vase 
standing  there  upon  its  gilded  pedestal,  leaned  the  tall,  ath- 
letic form  of  Count  Schwarzenberg,  casting  a  long,  dark 
shadow  upon  the  shining  surface  of  the  inlaid  floor.    Gabriel 


REBECCA.  239 

TSTietzel  saw  all  this,  and  yet  he  felt  as  if  he  were  dreaming, 
and  that  all  would  vanish  so  soon  as  he  should  venture  to  move 
or  step  forward.  The  count's  voice  aroused  him  from  his 
stupefaction. 

"  Now,  Master  Nietzel,  come  here,  for  from  this  point  you 
can  best  survey  the  pictures,  and  judge  of  their  merits." 

Nietzel  advanced  with  long  strides,  breathless  from  ex- 
pectation, blissful  in  hope.  Now  he  stood  at  the  count's  side, 
and  lifted  his  eyes  to  the  pictures.  ^Yith  one  rapid  glance  he 
swept  the  whole  wall.  Paintings,  beautiful,  costly  paintings, 
but  what  cared  he  for  tlmn'?  Glorious  in  the  pomp  of  color- 
ing, and  perfect  in  their  truth  to  nature,  they  looked  down 
upon  him  out  of  their  broad  gilt  frames,  but  he  had  no  senses 
for  them.  His  eyes  fastened  again  and  again  upon  that  broad, 
massive  gold  frame  which  hung  opposite  him  in  the  center 
of  the  wall.  The  painting  which  this  frame  inclosed  could 
not  be  seen,  for  it  was  hidden  from  view  by  the  green  silk 
drapery  hanging  before  it,  and  at  the  side  of  the  frame  was 
suspended  a  string.  Gabriel  Nietzel  saw  nothing  of  the  paint- 
ings, he  only  saw  the  green  curtain,  only  the  string  which 
kept  it  fast.  His  whole  soul  spoke  in  the  glance  which  he 
directed  to  them. 

Count  Schwarzenberg  intercepted  this  glance  and  smiled. 

"You  are  certainly  thinking  of  Eaphael's  exquisite  Ma- 
donna," he  said,  "  and  because  that  is  always  seen  from  the 
midst  of  a  green  curtain,  you  suppose,  probably,  that  behind 
this  curtain  must  also  be  concealed  a  Madonna  and  Child. 
"Well,  we  shall  see  some  day.  Stay  in  your  place,  stir  not, 
speak  not,  and  perhaps  a  miracle  will  take  place,  and  you  shall 
behold  una  Madonna  col  Bambino  of  flesh  and  blood.  But 
silence,  man,  for  you  well  know  how  it  is  with  treasure  diggers: 
as  soon  as  you  speak,  the  treasure  vanishes.  Now,  then,  look 
and  stand  still!  " 

He  stepped  across  to  the  wall  and  grasped  the  string. 
The  curtain  flew  back  and — there  she  stood,  the  Madonna  with 
the  Child  in  her  arms,  so  beautiful,  so  instinct  with  life  and 
warmth,  as  only  nature  has  ever  painted  and  art  imitated 
from  nature.  There  she  stood  with  that  richly  tinted  olive 
complexion,  with  those  transparent,  softly  reddened  cheeks, 


240  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

with  those  full  crimson  lips,  with  those  large  black  eyes  at 
once  full  of  mildness  and  fire,  and  with  that  broad  and  noble 
brow  full  of  depth  of  thought  and  yet  full  of  repose.  And 
in  her  arms  that  sweet  child,  that  vigorous  boy  so  full  of  life, 
loosely  clad  in  his  little  white  shirt,  that  left  bare  his  plump 
arms  and  firm  legs.  Eoses  were  on  his  cheeks,  dimples  in 
his  chin,  and  in  the  great  black  eyes  lay  the  deep,  earnest 
look,  full  of  innocence  and  wisdom,  that  is  sometimes  peculiar 
to  children. 

The  painter  had  sunk  upon  his  knees,  stretching  out  both 
arms  to  the  picture,  and  from  his  eyes  the  tears  flowed  in  clear 
streams  over  his  cheeks.  But  indignantly  he  shook  them 
away,  for  they  prevented  him  from  seeing  the  Madonna,  his 
Madonna.  Prayers  he  murmured  up  to  her,  prayers  of  love 
and  confidence,  supplications  for  steadfastness  in  danger, 
for  courageous  perseverance  during  separation.  But  he  ven- 
tured not  to  address  them  audibly  to  the  beloved  Madonna, 
for  he  knew  that  a  mere  word  would  have  snatched  her  away 
from  him. 

And  she,  she  knew  it  too,  and  therefore  she  also  was 
silent.  Only  with  her  eyes  she  spoke  to  him,  and  the  tears 
which  flowed  from  her  eyes  gave  eloquent  reply  to  Ms.  Thus 
they  looked  at  one  another,  at  once  full  of  bliss  and  pain. 
The  child,  which  until  now  had  sat  quiet  upon  its  mother's 
arm,  silent  and  as  if  in  deep  thought,  suddenly  began  to  move. 
Its  large  eyes  were  fixed  upon  the  man  who  lay  there  on  his 
knees,  and,  whether  it  were  the  result  of  an  involuntary  move- 
ment or  the  instinct  of  love,  it  spread  out  its  arms  and  smiled. 

"  My  child,  my  darling  child!  "  screamed  Gabriel  Nietzel, 
springing  from  his  knees  and  rushing  forward  with  out- 
stretched arms.  But  the  frame  with  its  living  picture  hung 
too  high — his  arms  could  not  reach  it,  his  lips  could  not  touch 
that  smiling,  childish  mouth  to  press  upon  it  a  father's  kiss 
of  blessing  and  seal  of  love.  "  My  child!  "  he  cried  again, 
and  now,  since  love  had  once  opened  his  lips,  silence  could 
no  longer  be  maintained. 

"  Eebecca,  my  beloved,"  he  cried. 

"  Gabriel,  my  beloved,"  sounded  down. 

"  You  have  broken  your  word!  "  cried  Count  Schwarzen- 


REBECCA.  241 

berg  angrily,  and  he  vehemently  drew  the  string,  so  that  the 
green  curtain  hastily  rustled  together.  But  it  was  in  vain. 
A  rounded,  powerful  female  arm  thrust  it  back,  and  now  it 
was  no  more  a  Madonna  with  her  Child  who  looked  forth 
from  the  green  curtain,  but  a  glowing  creature,  a  wife  flaming 
with  indignation  and  love,  with  defiance  and  grief. 

"  Nobody  shall  liinder  me  from  looking  at  you,  from  speak- 
ing to  you!  "  she  cried.  "  I  will  see  you,  Gabriel.  I  will  tell 
you,  that  I  love  you  and  am  true  to  you.  I  will  tell  you  that 
I  would  rather  go  barefoot  through  the  world,  begging  with 
you  and  the  child,  than  to  live  longer  in  this  count's  grand 
castle,  amid  splendor,  without  you.  Gabriel,  rescue  me  from 
this  place;  do  all  that  they  require  of  you,  only  take  me  away 
from  here." 

"  Eebecca,  I  will  rescue  you,  for  I  can  not  live  without 
you — without  you  the  world  is  a  desert  to  me.  You  are  my 
sun  and  the  light  of  my  life." 

"  Gabriel,  release  me,  while  yet  there  is  time.  They  will 
make  a  Christian  of  me,  and  I  shall  renounce  my  faith  and 
my  salvation,  in  order  to  be  with  you  again,  but  afterward  I 
shall  die  of  repentance." 

"  Eebecca,  I  shall  release  you,  and  I  too  am  ready  to  re- 
nounce my  salvation  in  order  to  be  with  you.  But  I  will  not 
die  of  repentance,  for  I  shall  have  you  again,  and  when  I  look 
upon  you  and  the  child  I  shall  feel  no  repentance." 

"  Gabriel,  release  me,  give  back  to  me  my  happiness,  my 
home,  my  family.  For  you  are  all  that  to  me,  and  without 
you  the  world  is  a  desert." 

"  Without  you  the  world  is  a  wilderness,  Eebecca.  Swear 
to  me  that  you  love  me!  " 

"  I  swear  to  you,  by  the  God  of  my  fathers,  that  I  love 
you! " 

"And  would  you  love  me  if  the  whole  world  despised 
me?" 

"What  matters  the  world  to  me?  Would  I  still  love 
you?  I  would  love  you  more  fervently  yet  if  all  the  world 
despised  you,  for  then  you  would  be  like  me.  They  despise 
me  too,  and  turn  away  contemptuously  from  me,  and  yet  I 
have  done  nothing  bad." 


242  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

"  Would  you  love  me,  Rebecca,  even  if  I  had  committed 
a  crime  ?  " 

"■  What  do  men  call  crime?  Do  they  not  say  that  you 
commit  a  crime  in  loving  me?  Would  they  not  say,  too,  that 
the  priest  who  blessed  our  union  was  a  criminal?  Be  what- 
ever you  may,  do  what  you  will,  I  shall  love  you  still.  Your 
soul  is  my  soul,  and  my  heart  is  your  heart.  Release  me, 
Gabriel,  release  me!  " 

"  I  will  release  you,  Rebecca;  in  four  days  you  shall  be 
free,  and  we  shall  journey  away  from  here,  and  return  to 
Italy,  never  to  leave  it  again." 

"To  Italy!"  rejoiced  she — "to  my  home!  Oh,  my  Ga- 
briel, I  shall  not  merely  love  you,  I  shall  worship  you — you 
will  be  to  me  the  Saviour,  the  Messiah,  in  whom  my  people 
have  hoped  so  long!    I " 

"  Now  that  is  enough,"  cried  Count  Schwarzenberg,  who 
had  been  silent  hitherto,  because  he  felt  well  how  much  Re- 
becca's words  forwarded  his  own  plans.  "  Now  that  is  enough 
of  refractoriness!  Come,  Gabriel  Nietzel,  and  you,  Rebecca, 
step  back,  or  I  shall  have  your  child  taken  away,  and  you 
shall  never  see  it  again!  " 

"  Go,  Rebecca,  go! "  cried  Gabriel  Nietzel  cheerfully. 
"  You  remain  with  me,  even  if  you  go,  and  I  shall  still  see  and 
speak  to  you  when  I  am  far  from  you.  Four  days  only,  and 
then  we  shall  be  reunited!  " 

"  I  am  going,  Gabriel!  I  shall  spend  all  these  four  days 
praying  for  you — to  your  and  my  God!  " 

"  Sir  Count!  "  cried  Nietzel  in  cheerful  tones — "  Sir 
Count,  let  us  now  return  to  your  cabinet.  I  have  something 
important  to  communicate  to  you." 

He  cast  not  another  look  up  at  the  curtain;  he  had  no 
longer  any  sense  of  pain  in  her  disappearance,  but  this  was 
his  one  absorbing  thought,  that  in  four  days  he  would  again 
embrace  his  Rebecca,  and  that  it  lay  in  the  power  of  his  own 
hands  to  deserve  her.  With  firm  steps  he  followed  the  count, 
who  now  again  led  him  out  of  the  hall  and  into  his  cabinet. 

"Well,  speak,  Master  Gabriel!"  cried  the  count;  "what 
have  you  to  say  to  me?  " 

Nietzel  drew  a  paper  from  his  breast  pocket,  and  handed 


REBECCA.  243 

it  to  the  count.    "  See,  your  excellency,  here  is  the  sketch  of 
the  painting  I  am  to  make  for  you." 

"  Truly,  a  precious  sketch,"  said  Schwarzenherg,  examin- 
ing the  paper  attentively.    "  That  looks  like  a  Holy  Supper." 

"  It  is  no  Holy  Supper,  but  a  very  unholy  dinner." 

"In  the  middle  of  the  table  I  see  sitting  a  man  and  a 
youth.  The  man  wears  a  crown  upon  his  head  and  the  youth 
wears  a  princely  coronet." 

"It  is  the  Elector  and  the  Electoral  Prince,"  explained 
Gabriel  Metzel. 

"  Yes,  indeed,  the  portraits  are  theirs.  And  beside  them 
sits  the  Electress,  and  beside  her  I  see  myself,  and  quite  gor- 
geously have  you  dressed  me,  with  a  princely  ermined  mantle 
about  my  shoulders  and  a  prince's  diadem  upon  my  brow. 
But  what  is  that  which  I  hold  in  my  hand  and  offer  to  the 
Electress?" 

"  It  is  a  lachrymatory,  your  excellency." 

"  And  yet  the  Electress  smiles,  Sir  Painter." 

"  She  takes  the  lachrymatory  for  a  golden  vase,  which 
your  excellency  is  presenting  to  her  as  a  present." 

"  You  are  witty,  it  seems.  Master  Gabriel,"  said  the  count 
sharply.  "  But  that  your  portraits  are  good  must  be  admitted, 
and  your  sketch  is  altogether  charming.  Only  you  have 
sketched  for  me  there  a  Joyous  festival,  and,  if  I  remember 
rightly,  I  ordered  of  you  a  picture  which  should  represent  the 
death  of  Julius  Caesar,  or  some  such  murderous  occasion. 
But  I  see  no  dagger  and  no  murderer  in  this  sketch." 

"  Only  look  at  that  man  standing  behind  the  Electoral 
Prince." 

"  Ah,  I  see  him  now.  Why,  master,  that  is  your  own  like- 
ness! " 

"  Yes,  your  excellency,  my  own  likeness.  You  grant  me 
your  permission,  then,  to  appear  at  the  feast?  " 

"  Why  not?  Paul  Veronese,  too,  has  introduced  his  own 
portrait  among  those  of  his  ban(|uetcrs.  What  is  your  image 
there  handing  to  the  Electoral  Prince  in  that  basket?" 

"  A  piece  of  white  bread,  most  gracious  sir,  nothing  more." 

"  Ah,  a  piece  of  white  bread!  You  have  become,  it  seems, 
the  young  Electoral  Prince's  lackey,  have  laid  your  character 


244  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

as  artist  upon  the  shelf,  and  become  body  page  to  the  gracious 
Prince?" 

"  It  seems  so,  most  gracious  sir,"  replied  Nietzel  with 
solemn  voice.    "  But  see  here,  the  truth  lies  on  this  page." 

And  he  handed  the  count  a  second  sheet  of  paper. 

"  What  do  I  see  ?  Something  seems  to  have  disturbed  the 
banquet." 

"  Yes,  j^our  excellency,  very  greatly  disturbed  it.  Do  you 
still  see  the  man  who  stood  behind  the  Electoral  Prince?  " 

"  No,  I  see  him  nowhere." 

"He  has  fled,  your  excellency.  He  is  the  murderer  of 
the  Electoral  Prince,  who  is  borne  out  senseless." 

"  Of  the  Electoral  Prince?  Conrad  the  Third,  you  mean! 
For  was  it  not  the  murder  of  the  last  of  the  Hohenstaufens 
which  you  promised  me?" 

"  Yes,  your  excellency,  and  I  will  perform  my  promise  if 
the  sketch  pleases  you." 

"  It  pleases  me  very  much,  and  it  suits  me  perfectly,"  re- 
plied the  count,  whose  glance  remained  ever  directed  to  the 
two  sketches.  "Yes,  yes,"  he  continued  slowty,  "I  under- 
stand, and  the  design  has  my  approval,  for  it  is  simple  and 
natural.    You  have  your  plan  complete  in  your  head?  " 

"  Quite  complete,  your  excellency." 

"  Then  it  is  not  necessary  to  talk  any  more  about  it,  or  to 
preserve  the  sketches,"  said  the  count,  slowly  tearing  the  two 
papers  into  little  bits. 

"  You  are  right,  count,  it  is  not  necessary  to  preserve  the 
sketches,  since  I  soon  expect  to  carry  them  out  on  a  large 
scale.  But  we  have  something  else  to  talk  about,  your  ex- 
cellency." 

Schwarzenberg  looked  in  amazement  at  the  painter,  whose 
voice  had  now  lost  its  reverential  expression,  and  was  very  firm 
and  determined. 

"We  have  only  to  speak  upon  such  subjects  as  I  may 
choose,  master,"  he  said  haughtily. 

"No,  Sir  Count,"  retorted  Nietzel  decidedly;  "but  we 
have  to  speak  about  what  follows  the  completion  of  my  paint- 
ing. We  must  speak  of  that,  even  should  it  not  please  your 
excellency.     On  Sunday  your  banquet  takes  place;  on  that 


REBECCA.  245 

■Say  I  should  like  to  set  off  for  Italy  with  my  wife  and  child, 
and  leave  Germany  forever." 

"  Do  so,  Master  Xietzel,  I  strongly  advise  you  to  do  so." 

"Will  your  excellency  condescend  to  assist  me  thereto?" 

"  Joyfully,  from  the  bottom  of  my  heart,  my  dear  Nietzel. 
You  would  travel  to  Italy.  First  of  all  you  want  funds  for 
your  journey,  I  suppose.  Here,  Master  Nietzel,  here  I  transmit 
to  you  a  pocketbook  containing  twelve  hundred  dollars — your 
pension,  which  I  pay  you  in  advance  for  two  years." 

"  I  thank  your  excellency,"  said  Gabriel,  taking  the  pocket- 
book.  "  The  principal  thing,  though,  is,  how  am  I  to  get 
at  my  wife  and  child?  Am  I  to  come  here  to  fetch  them 
away?" 

"Not  so,  Master  Xietzel.  I  shall  send  Eebecca  and  the 
child  to  you  at  your  lodgings  in  Berlin." 

"  Before  or  after  the  banc[uet  ?  " 

"  After  the  banquet,  of  course." 

"  But  if  you  do  not  do  so,  your  excellency.  If  you  should 
forget  your  promise  to  poor  Gabriel  Nietzel  ?  " 

"  Ah!  you  mistrust  me,  do  you,  Mr.  Gabriel  Xietzel?  " 

"  Do  you  not  mistrust  me,  too.  Sir  Count?  Have  you  not 
taken  my  Eebecca  and  my  child  as  pledges  for  my  keeping 
ray  word?  Have  you  not  deprived  me  of  what  is  most  precious 
to  me  in  this  world,  not  to  be  restored  until  I  have  fulfilled 
my  oath  to  you?  But  what  pledge  have  I  that  you  will  keep 
your  word,  and  what  means  have  I  for  forcing  you  to  fulfill 
your  oath  to  me?  " 

"You  have  my  word  as  security — the  word  of  a  noble- 
man, who  has  never  yet  forfeited  his  pledge,"  said  Count 
Schwarzenberg  solemnly.  "  I  swear  to  you  that  on  the  day 
of  the  banquet  your  Eebecca  and  your  child  shall  be  at  your 
lodgings  in  Berlin,  and  that  you  will  find  them  there  on  your 
return  from  the  banquet.  I  swear  this  by  the  Holy  Virgin 
Mary  and  by  Jesus  Christ  the  only-begotten  Son,  and  in 
affirmation  of  my  solemn  oath  I  lay  my  right  hand  here  upon 
this  crucifix." 

The  count  strode  across  to  his  escritoire,  and  hiid  his 
hand  upon  the  crucifix  of  alabaster  and  gold,  which  stood 
upon  it.    "  I  swear  and  vow,"  he  cried,  "  that  next  Sunday 


246  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

I  shall  send  to  Gabriel  Nietzel's  lodging  his  Eehecca  and  her 
child,  and  that  he  shall  find  them  there  when  he  returns  from 
the  banquet.    Are  you  content  now,  ]\Iaster  Gabriel  Nietzel?  " 

"I  am  content,  Sir  Covmt.  Farewell!  And  God  grant 
that  we  may  never  meet  again  on  earth! " 

He  greeted  the  count  with  a  passing  inclination  of  his 
head,  and  left  the  apartment  without  waiting  for  Ms  dis- 
missal. 


VII.— The  Offer. 

"  And  now,"  murmured  Gabriel  Nietzel  to  himself,  as  he 
stepped  out  upon  the  street — "  now  for  work,  without  hesi- 
tancy and  without  delay,  for  there  is  no  other  way  of  escap- 
ing from  that  cruel  tiger  who  has  me  in  his  clutches.  He 
is  athirst  for  blood,  and  I  must  sacrifice  to  him  the  blood  of 
another  man  in  order  to  save  that  of  my  wife  and  child!  But, 
woe  to  him,  woe,  if  he  does  not  keep  his  word,  if  he  acts  the 
part  of  traitor  toward  me!  But  I  will  not  think  of  that,  I 
dare  not  think  of  it,  for  I  have  need  of  all  my  presence  of 
mind  in  order  to  prepare  everything.  First,  I  must  speak 
to  the  Electoral  Prince;  that  is  the  most  important  thing." 

He  went  back  to  Berlin,  and  repaired  forthwith  to  the 
palace.  The  Electoral  Prince  was  at  home,  and  the  lackey 
who  had  annoimced  the  court  painter  Gabriel  Metzel  now 
reverentially  opened  for  him  the  door  of  the  princely  apart- 
ment. 

"  Well,  here  you  are,  my  dear  Gabriel,"  cried  the  Electoral 
Prince  affably.  "  Welcome,  to  receive  my  thanks  for  the  zeal 
and  dispatch  with  which  you  attended  to  the  removal  of  my 
effects.  Truly  you  merit  praise,  for  I  am  told  that  you  ar- 
rived in  Berlin  before  me.  We  had  contrary  winds,  it  is  true, 
and  had  to  lie  at  anchor  before  Cuxhaven  for  fourteen  days. 
Well,  say,  master,  how  are  you  pleased  with  Berlin?  " 

"  Very  well,  your  highness,"  replied  Nietzel  gloomily, 
looking  into  the  pale,  sad  countenance  of  the  Electoral  Prince 
with  a  glance  full  of  strange  meaning. 


THE  OFFER.  247 

"Why  do  you  look  so  inquiringly  at  me,  master?  "  asked 
the  Prince  restively. 

'"  Pardon  me,  most  gracious  sir,  I  will  not  do  so  again," 
said  Gabriel,  casting  down  his  eyes.  "  I  have  something  to 
say  to  your  highness,  and  I  would  fain  gather  the  needed  cour- 
age therefor  from  your  countenance." 

"  Do  so  then,  master,  look  at  me  and  speak." 

"  Step  into  the  middle  of  the  room,  gracious  sir,  and  per- 
mit me  to  come  close  to  you;  then  I  will  speak,  for  I  shall  know 
then  that  no  one  can  overhear  us." 

The  Electoral  Prince  did  as  Gabriel  requested.  The  latter 
stepped  close  up  to  his  side.  "  Most  gracious  sir,"  said  he, 
"  have  you  confidence  in  me?  " 

"  Yes,  Gabriel  Metzel,  I  have  confidence  in  you." 

"  Then  hear  what  I  have  to  tell  you.  Ask  no  questions, 
require  no  intelligence  and  explanations.  Hear  my  warning, 
and  act  accordingly.  Count  Schwarzenberg  plots  against  vour 
life!  " 

"  Do  you  believe  that?  "  said  the  Electoral  Prince,  smiling. 

"  He  has  invited  jov.  to  a  feast,  which  is  to  take  place  on 
Sunday.    At  that  feast  you  are  to  be  poisoned." 

The  Electoral  Prince  started,  and  a  transient  flush  gleamed 
upon  his  cheeks.    "  Whence  know  you  that,  Gabriel  Nietzel  ?  " 

"  I  beseech  you  ask  me  no  questions,  but  believe  me. 
Will  your  highness  do  so? — dare  I  speak  further?  " 

"  Well,  I  will  believe  you.  Speak  further,  Master  Ga- 
briel." 

"  I  told  you  thus  much,  that  you  were  to  be  poisoned  at 
Count  Adam  von  Schwarzenberg's  banquet.  The  count's 
valet  has  been  bribed  by  him;  he  will  have  the  honor  of  wait- 
ing iipon  you  at  the  feast,  and  he  will  therefore  present  to 
you  all  you  oat  or  drink,  even  down  to  the  bread.  Do  not 
accept  them  from  him,  your  highness,  especially  the  bread." 

"  I  shall  at  least  eat  nothing,  Gabriel  Nietzel." 

"  When  he  sees  that,  he  will  offer  you  some  fruit  or  viand 
which  will  prove  hurtful  to  you.  The  count's  valet  must  not 
stand  behind  your  seat,  that  is  the  principal  thing;  an- 
other must  take  his  place,  another,  on  whose  fidelitv  you  may 
relv." 


248  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

"Who  is  that  other?  Where  is  the  man  to  be  found  in 
these  parts  on  whose  fidelity  I  may  rely?" 

"  You  may  rely  upon  me,  Prince.  I  will  stand  behind 
your  chair,  I  will  wait  upon  you  at  Count  Schwarzenberg's 
feast." 

"  You,  Gabriel  Nietzel,  you  ?  "  asked  Frederick  William, 
and  his  eyes  were  fixed  upon  the  painter  with  a  long  glance 
of  inquiry.  Gabriel  Nietzel  sustained  this  glance,  and  suc- 
ceeded in  forcing  a  smile  upon  his  lips. 

"  I  will  be  your  valet  at  the  feast.  I  will  stand  behind 
your  chair  and  wait  upon  you." 

"  Impossible,  Gabriel.  How  could  we  manage  that  with- 
out insulting  the  count?" 

"  Very  simply,  your  highness.  Have  the  kindness  to  say 
that  you  brought  me  with  you,  in  order  that  I  might  make 
for  you  a  painting  of  the  banquet,  and  to  that  end  sketch  the 
outlines,  and  that,  to  furnish  a  pretext  for  my  presence,  you 
have  allowed  me  to  appear  as  your  page." 

"  It  is  true,  that  will  suit!  Y"ou  have  weighed  all  excel- 
lently, Gabriel  Nietzel,  and  your  plan  is  good." 

"  And  you  accept  it,  gracious  sir,  do  you  not,  you  ac- 
cept it?" 

Frederick  William  was  silent,  and  his  large,  deep-blue  eyes 
were  again  fixed  testingly  and  questioningly  upon  the  paint- 
er's countenance.  After  a  long  pause  he  slowly  laid  his  hand 
upon  Gabriel's  shoulder,  and  his  looks  brightened. 

"  Gabriel  Nietzel,"  he  said  solemnly,  "  I  will  have  confi- 
dence in  you,  I  will  assume  that  God  sends  you  to  me  to  save 
me;  I  will  not  assume  that  Count  Schwarzenberg  sends  you 
to  me  to  ruin  me.  You  shall  accompany  me  to  the  feast  and 
stand  behind  my  chair  as  page." 

Gabriel  Nietzel  only  answered  by  the  tears,  which  in  clear 
streams  gushed  from  his  eyes.  "  Oh,  you  weep,"  cried  the 
Electoral  Prince.  "  Now  I  see  well  that  you  mean  honestly, 
and  that  I  can  trust  you,  for  your  tears  speak  for  you." 

Just  then  the  lackey  opened  the  door  of  the  antechamber 
and  annoimced,  "  The  commandant  of  Kiistrin,  Colonel  von 
Burgsdorf,  wishes  to  pay  his  respects!  " 

"  Let  him  wait  an  instant;  I  will  summon  him  directly." 


THE  OFFER.  249 

"Most  gracious  sir,"  murmured  Nietzel,  when  the  door 
had  again  closed,  "  dismiss  me  in  the  colonel's  presence,  and 
immediately,  that  the  spies  may  not  have  it  to  say  that  there 
has  been  to-day  a  meeting  of  Count  Schwarzenberg's  enemies 
here." 

"  Are  there  spies  here  too,  Gabriel  ?  " 

"  Everywhere,  sir,  each  of  your  servants  is  bribed,  and 
you  must  suspect  them.    Dismiss  me,  sir,  dismiss  me." 

The  Electoral  Prince  went  to  the  door  and  opened  it. 

"  Colonel  von  Burgsdorf,  come  in!  " 

"  Here  I  am,  most  gracious  sir,  here  I  am! "  cried  Burgs- 
dorf's  rough  voice,  and  with  clashing  sword  and  glittering 
corselet  Conrad  von  Burgsdorf  entered  the  room.  The  Elec- 
toral Prince  nodded  to  him,  and  then  turned  to  the  painter, 
who  humbly  and  with  lowered  head  had  crept  away  toward  the 
door.  "  Master  Nietzel,"  he  said,  with  a  condescending  wave  of 
the  hand,  "  go  now,  and  be  careful  to  carry  out  my  instruc- 
tions. I  will  request  my  mother  to  do  me  the  kindness  to 
sit  to  you  every  day  for  her  portrait,  which  you  are  to  paint 
for  me.  Make  all  your  preparations,  and  come  early  to-morrow 
morning  with  the  canvas  stretched." 

"  Your  highness's  commands  shall  be  punctually  exe- 
cuted," said  Gabriel  Nietzel,  and,  after  reverentially  bowing, 
he  left  the  room. 

"  And  now  for  you,  my  dear  Burgsdorf!  "  cried  the  Elec- 
toral Prince,  advancing  a  few  paces  to  meet  the  colonel,  and 
kindly  offering  him  his  hand.  "  You  are  heartily  welcome, 
and  let  me  hope  that  I,  too,  am  welcome  to  you  and  your 
friends." 

"  Your  highness,  you  are  more  than  welcome  to  us — you 
have  been  longed  for  by  us,  and  we  thank  God  from  the  deptlis 
of  our  souls  that  he  has  finally  given  you  back  to  lis.  All  had 
already  abandoned  hope  of  your  return  to  us.  All  really  be- 
lieved that  you  would  forsake  us  in  our  wretchedness  and 
want,  and  would  never  more  return  to  the  unhappy  Mark  of 
Brandenburg.  But  here  you  are  at  last,  my  dearest  young 
sir,  and  blessed  be  your  coming  and  your  staying." 

"  I  thank  you,  colonel,  thank  you  with  my  whole  heart 
for  your  good  wishes,"  said  Frederick  William  kindly;  "  and 


250  THE   HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

trust  me,  my  dear  colonel,  I  know  how  to  treasure  them,  and 
will  never  forget  you  for  these.  You  are  one  of  the  faithful 
ones,  on  whom  our  house  can  count  in  evil  as  in  good  days, 
and  on  whom  an  Elector  of  Brandenburg  would  never  call  in 
vain,  if  he  had  need  of  him." 

"  Call  upon  us,  most  gracious  sir,"  said  the  colonel  briskly 
and  joyfully — "  call  all  your  faithful  ones,  and  you  shall  see 
they  will  all  come,  for  they  are  only  waiting  for  your  sum- 
mons." 

The  Electoral  Prince  smilingly  shook  his  head.  "  I  am 
not  the  Elector  of  Brandenburg,  and  I  have  not  the  right  to 
summon  you." 

"  You  shall  and  must  be  Elector  of  Brandenburg,  and  that 
you  may  be  so,  you  must  gather  your  faithful  ones  around 
you." 

"I  do  not  understand  you,"  said  the  Electoral  Prince 
slowly.  "Whether  I  will  ever  be  Elector  of  Brandenburg, 
God  only  can  decide,  for  in  his  hands  lies  my  father's  hfe  as 
well  as  my  own.  May  the  day  be  far  distant  when  I  enter  upon 
the  succession — may  my  venerated  father  for  long  years  to 
come  rule  his  land  in  peace  and  tranquilHty.  I  long  not  to 
grasp  the  reins  of  government,  for  I  know  very  well  that  I  am 
yet  much  too  young  to  guide  them  with  wisdom  and  pru- 
dence." 

"  You  will  not  understand  me,  your  highness,"  cried  the 
colonel  impatiently,  and  his  red  swollen  face  glowed  with  a 
brighter  hue.  "  But  I  must  still  try  to  make  you  understand, 
for  to  that  very  end  have  I  been  sent  hither  by  your  friends; 
they  have  chosen  me  as  spokesman  for  them  all,  and  there- 
fore I  must  speak,  if  your  highness  will  grant  me  leave  so 
to  do." 

"  Speak,  my  dear  colonel,  speak,  and  may  God  enlighten 
my  heart,  that  I  may  rightly  understand  you!  Let  us  sit 
down,  colonel,  and  now  let  us  hear  what  is  the  matter." 

"  This  is  the  matter,  your  highness,  the  Mark  of  Branden- 
burg is  lost  to  you,  if  you  do  not  seize  it  now  with  swift,  de- 
termined hand.  You  do  not  believe  me,  sir;  you  shake  your 
head  incredulously  and  smile.  Ah!  I  see  plainly,  that  you 
have  been  suffered  to  remain  in  great  darkness  as  regards  the 


THE  OFFER.  251 

situation  of  affairs  here,  and  you  know  verj^  little  of  our  suf- 
ferings and  our  distresses.  You  know  not  that  poverty  and 
want  prevail  throughout  the  whole  land;  that  the  peasant, 
the  burgher,  the  nobleman,  all  classes  of  the  people,  in  short, 
are  equally  oppressed;  that  trade  and  commerce  lie  prostrate; 
and  the  aim  of  each  one  is  only  how  he  may  prolong  a  wretched 
existence  from  day  to  day." 

"  Nevertheless,  my  dear  colonel,  I  know  that.  I  saw 
enough  solitary,  ruined  villages,  waste  and  empty  towns,  un- 
cultivated and  ravaged  fields  on  my  Journey  hither  to  prove 
to  me  what  the  poor  inhabitants  of  the  Mark  have  had  to 
suffer  in  these  evil  days  of  war." 

"Have  had  to  suffer,  says  jout  highness?"  cried  Burgs- 
dorf  impatiently;  "  they  still  suffer  continuously,  and  their 
suffering  will  be  without  cessation  or  end  if  your  highness 
does  not  take  pity  upon  the  poor  people,  upon  us  all." 

"  I  ?  "  asked  Frederick  William,  astonished.  "  What  then 
can  I  do?" 

"  You  can  do  everything,  my  Prince,  ever}i;hing,  and  in 
the  name  of  your  future  country,  in  the  name  of  your  sub- 
jects, I  beseech  you  to  do  so.  The  Mark  Brandenburg  stands 
upon  the  brink  of  a  precipice.  Save  it.  Electoral  Prince. 
The  religion,  policy,  and  independence  of  Brandenburg  are  in 
danger;  take  your  sword  in  hand  and  save  her.  Speak  three 
words,  three  little  insignificant  words,  and  all  the  noblemen 
in  the  Mark  will  rally  exultingly  about  you,  and  the  people 
will  flock  to  you  in  crowds,  and  make  you  so  mighty  and  so 
strong  that  you  need  only  to  will  and  your  will  shall  be  exe- 
cuted." 

"  What  three  words  are  those.  Sir  Colonel  von  Burgs- 
dorf  ?  " 

"  Those  three  words,  your  highness,  which  the  people 
shouted  up  at  the  palace  window  yesterday,  when  you  got 
home.    The  three  words,  '  Down  with  him! '  " 

"  Down  with  Tiim,"  repeated  the  Electoral  Prince.  "  And 
who  is  this  liimf" 

"  It  is  Count  Schwarzenberg,  your  highness — it  is  the 
minister  who  rules  here  in  the  Mark  as  if  it  wore  his  own 
property,  and  as  if  he  were  not  your  father's  Stadtholder,  but 
17 


252  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

the  reigning  Prince,  who  had  obtained  the  Mark  as  a  fief 
from  the  Emperor  of  Germany,  to  whom  alone  he  were  re- 
sponsible. Look  about  you,  Frederick  William,  look  at  these 
poor,  wretched  apartments,  in  which  you  live — look  at  the 
decay  of  the  princely  house,  the  embarrassments  with  which 
your  father  has  to  contend,  and  the  privations  which  your 
mother  and  sisters  have  to  undergo.  And  then,  Prince,  then 
look  across  at  Broad  Street,  at  Count  Schwarzenberg's  palace. 
There  all  is  glory  and  splendor,  there  are  to  be  seen  lackeys  in 
golden  liveries,  costly  equipages,  handsomely  furnished  halls. 
They  practice  wanton  luxury,  they  live  amid  pomp  and  pleas- 
ure, arrange  magnificent  hunts  and  splendid  entertainments, 
while  the  people  cry  out  for  hunger.  They  make  merry  in 
Count  Schwarzenberg's  palace,  and  while  the  burgher,  whose 
last  cent  he  has  seized  for  the  payment  of  taxes  and  imposts, 
creeps  about  in  rags,  lie  struts  by  in  velvet  clothes,  decked  out 
with  gold  and  precious  stones,  and  laughingly  boasts  that  half 
the  Mark  of  Brandenburg  might  be  bought  at  the  price  of 
one  of  his  court  suits.  Most  gracious  Prince,  yesterday  the 
steward  of  your  father,  with  the  Electoral  consent,  brought 
out  the  velvet  caps  which  had  been  kept  in  the  Electoral  ward- 
robe, took  ofl:  the  genuine  silver  lace  with  which  they  were 
trimmed,  and  sold  it  to  the  Jews,  in  order  to  pay  the  servants 
their  month's  wages,*  and  the  count's  servants  yesterday  re- 
ceived new  liveries,  so  thickly  set  with  gold  lace  that  the  scarlet 
cloth  was  hardly  distinguishable  underneath.  The  Stadt- 
holder  in  the  Mark  revels  in  superfluity,  while  the  Elector 
in  the  Mark  almost  suffers  want,  and  esteems  himself  happy 
if  he  can  give  one  piece  of  land  after  another  to  his  minister 
as  security  for  the  payment  of  debt.  Oh,  it  is  enough  to  drive 
one  to  despair,  and  make  him  tear  his  hair  for  rage  and  grief, 
when  he  sees  the  state  of  things  here,  and  must  perceive  that 
the  Elector  is  nothing  and  the  Stadtholder  everything.  To 
his  adherents  he  gives  offices  and  dignities,  and  thoee  whom 
he  knows  to  be  attached  to  the  interests  of  the  Electoral  family 
he  removes  from  court,  and  replaces  by  his  favorites  and  serv- 
ants.    Upon  the  Colonels  von  Kracht  and  von  Kochow  he 

*  Historical.     Vide  King,  Description  of  Berlin,  part  1. 


THE  OFFER.  253 

has  bestowed  good  positions,  making  them  commandants  of 
Berlin  and  Spandow,  with  double  salaries,  but  me,  whom  he 
knows  to  be  the  faithful  servant  of  the  Electoral  family,  he 
has  banished  from  court  and  sent  to  Kiistrin  with  only  half 
as  high  a  salary  as  the  other  two  have.  From  the  Electoral 
privy  council  he  has  also  removed  all  those  gentlemen  who 
were  bold  enough  to  lift  up  their  voices  against  him,  and  has 
introduced  such  men  as  say  yes  to  everything  that  he  desires 
and  asks.  jSTo  longer  does  an  honest,  upright  word  reach  the 
Electoral  ear,  and  while  the  whole  people  lament  and  cry  out 
against  Schwarzenberg,  fearing  him  as  they  do  the  devil  him- 
self, our  Elector  fancies  that  his  Stadtholder  is  as  much  be- 
loved by  the  people  of  the  Mark  Brandenburg  as  b}'  the  Em- 
peror at  Vienna.  But  it  is  Just  so;  Catholics  and  Imperialists 
will  Schwarzenberg  make  us;  ever  he  presses  us  further  and 
further  from  our  comrades  in  the  faith,  the  Swedes  and  Dutch; 
ever  he  draws  us  closer  to  the  Catholics;  and  if  he  could  suc- 
ceed in  making  the  Elector  Catholic,  removing  all  Evangel- 
ists and  Reformers  from  court,  and  putting  Catholics  in  their 
places,  then  he  would  rejoice  and  obtain  a  high  reward  from 
the  Emperor  and  Pope." 

"  And  you  believe,  Burgsdorf,  that  he  will  do  such  a  thing, 
and  esteem  such  a  thing  possible?"  asked  the  Electoral 
Prince,  with  a  sly  smile. 

"  I  believe  that  he  will,  and  we  all  believe  so.  And  with 
the  Stadtholder  to  will  is  to  do,  for  he  carries  through  all  that 
he  undertakes.  But  we  will  not  suffer  it,  Prince,  we  will  not 
be  turned  into  Imperialists  and  Catholics.  We  will  hold  to 
our  Elector  and  our  religion;  we  will  not  suffer  and  submit 
to  our  Elector's  being  any  longer  in  dependence  upon  Emperor 
and  empire,  and  nothing  at  all  but  a  powerless  tool  in  Schwarz- 
enber^-'c  hands.  We  want  a  free  Elector,  who  has  courage  and 
power  to  defy  the  Emperor  himself,  and  league  himself  with 
the  Swedes  against  him.  For  the  Swedes  are  our  rightful 
allies,  not  merely  because  the  mother  of  the  little  Queen  Chris- 
tina is  sister  to  our  Elector,  but  also  because  we  are  neigh- 
bors, and  of  one  religion  and  one  faith.  Oh,  my  gracious 
young  sir,  do  not  allow  Schwarzenberg  to  make  us  Catholics 
and  Imperialists!    Free  your  country,  your  subjects,  and  your- 


254  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

self  from  this  man,  who  weighs  upon  us  like  a  scourge  from 
God!  " 

"  But,  Burgsdorf,  just  consider  what  you  say  there.  I, 
who  have  hut  just  returned  from  a  three  years'  ahsence,  I, 
who  am  almost  a  stranger  to  these  combinations  and  circum- 
stances, I  am  to  free  you  from  this  most  mighty  and  influ- 
ential man,  the  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark!  I  should  like  to 
know  how  to  go  about  it." 

"  Gracious  sir,  I  will  tell  you,"  replied  Burgsdorf,  with 
smothered  voice  and  coming  close  up  to  the  Prince.  "  Only 
say  that  you  will  place  yourself  at  our  head;  give  me  only  a 
couple  of  words  in  your  own  handwriting  to  give  assurance 
to  your  friends  and  adherents  that  you  will  at  their  head  battle 
for  your  good  rights  and  for  the  faith  and  law  of  the  land. 
Do  this,  and  then  just  wait  eight  days." 

"  And  what  will  happen  after  these  eight  days?  " 

"  Then  will  happen  that  you  shall  see  an  army  assembled 
about  you,  my  Prince,  in  eight  days.  We  have  all  been  long 
making  our  preparations  in  secret,  and  putting  everything 
in  position,  to  be  able  to  break  forth  as  soon  as  you  should 
appear  and  place  yourself  at  our  head.  Every  nobleman  be- 
longing to  our  party  has  procured  arms  and  ammunition  for 
the  equipment  of  his  people,  and  a  brave,  well-appointed  host 
will  be  ready  to  execute  your  orders.  You  will  take  Schwarz- 
enberg  prisoner  in  his  proud  palace;  you  w411  be  able  by  per- 
sistency to  drive  the  Elector  to  dismiss  the  hated  minister  and 
his  hated  son  from  their  offices  and  dignities,  and  to  banish 
them  forever  from  the  country.  You  will  be  able  to  force 
the  Elector  to  nominate  you  Schwarzenberg's  successor,  and 
then,  having  the  power  in  your  own  hands,  it  only  depends 
upon  yourself  to  break  with  the  Emperor,  to  recognize  the 
peace  of  Prague  no  longer,  but  to  renew  the  alliance  with  the 
Swedes,  and  united  with  them  to  battle  against  the  encroach- 
ments of  the  Emperor,  and  in  behalf  of  religion!  " 

"  Just  see,  colonel,  you  have  your  plan  already  cut  and 
dried!  "  cried  the  Prince.  "  If  I  should  accede  to  it  I  would 
have  nothing  further  to  do  than  to  execute  what  you  have 
previously  determined  and  arranged,  and  I  should  be  nothing 
more  than  a  tool  in  your  hands.    Now,  I  must  confess  to  you 


THE  OFFER.  255 

that  such  a  part  would  not  at  all  suit  me,  even  if  I  were  ready 
to  fall  in  with  your  plans.  But  I  am  not  ready  to  do  so,  and 
am  thoroughly  indisposed  to  accept  your  proposition." 

"You  are  not  inclined  to  do  so?"  asked  the  colonel, 
shocked.  "  Not  even,"  he  continued  more  softly,  "  when  I 
tell  you  that  the  Electress  knows  our  plans  and  consents  to 
them?" 

"  Not  even  then,  colonel.  However  much  I  love  my 
mother,  yet  in  this  matter  I  can  not  suffer  myself  to  be  guided 
by  her  wishes.  No,  Colonel  von  Burgsdorf,  I  am  not  minded 
to  go  into  your  plans;  for  have  you  well  considered  what  you 
require  of  me?  You  ask  me  to  head  a  revolution,  to  give  you 
a  deed  of  rebellion,  and  to  call  upon  the  noblemen  of  the  coun- 
try to  revolt  against  their  rightful  Sovereign.  You  ask  me, 
as  a  rebel  and  agitator,  and  yet  at  the  same  time  only  as  your 
tool,  to  do  force  and  violence  to  my  lord  and  father,  and  to 
force  him  to  dismiss  his  minister,  to  alter  his  system,  and  to 
make  enemies  of  his  friends  and  friends  of  his  enemies.  Truly, 
you  offer  me  a  great  advantage  in  prospective,  and  are  good 
enough  to  propose  that  I  step  into  Count  Schwarzenberg's 
place  and  rule  the  country  in  the  Elector's  name,  as  he  has 
done.  But  I  am  not  blind  to  my  own  shortcomings,  and  do 
not  overestimate  myself.  I  know  very  well  that  I  am  as  yet 
but  an  inexperienced  young  man,  who  has  still  a  great  deal 
to  learn,  and  is  by  no  means  in  a  position  to  take  the  place 
of  so  distinguished  and  adroit  a  statesman  as  Count  Schwarz- 
enberg.  I  must  yet  go  to  school  to  him,  and  learn  from  him 
statecraft  and  policy." 

"Will  you  learn  from  him,  gracious  sir?"  cried  Burgs- 
dorf passionately.  "  Would  you  go  to  school  to  him,  to  that 
Catholic,  that  Imperialist?" 

"Tell  me  a  better  schoolmaster  for  my  fathers  son?" 
asked  the  Electoral  Prince  softly.  "My  father  has  bestowed 
full  confidence  upon  him  for  these  twenty  years  past,  he  has 
adhered  firmly  and  faithfully  to  him  in  evil  as  well  as  in  pros- 
porous  daj's,  and  therefore  T  conclude  that  the  count  is  worthy 
of  this  unshaken  confidence,  and  must  well  deserve  his  mas- 
tor's  love.  It  would,  therefore,  be  very  disrespectful  behavior 
on  my  part  toward  my  father,  and  put  me  in  the  light  of  ex- 


256  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

alting  myself  against  him  in  unchildlike  disobedience,  if  I 
should  make  the  attempt  to  remove  Count  Schwarzenberg 
from  his  side  by  force.  The  Elector  alone  is  reigning  Sover- 
eign within  his  own  dominions,  and  what  he  concludes  must 
be  good,  and  it  does  not  become  us  to  censure  or  presume 
to  know  better." 

"  Your  grace,  then,  will  be  nothing  but  an  obedient  and 
submissive  son  ?  "  asked  Burgsdorf  in  a  cutting  tone. 

"  Nothing  further,  Burgsdorf,"  replied  Frederick  William 
quietly.  "  May  my  father  yet  live  to  rule  long  years  in  peace; 
I  am  still  young,  I  am  learning  and  waiting." 

"  You  are  learning  and  waiting,"  cried  Burgsdorf,  beside 
himself,  "  and  meanwhile  your  land  is  going  wholly  to  ruin; 
the  people  are  hungry  and  in  despair;  the  noblemen  are  re- 
duced to  beggary  or  have,  in  their  desperation,  gone  over  to 
Schwarzenberg — that  is  to  say,  to  the  Emperor — who  pays  a 
rich  annuity  to  each  one  who  adheres  faithfully  to  him.  And 
when  your  grace  has  waited  and  learned  enough,  then  will 
come  the  day  when  Count  Schwarzenberg  will  hunt  you  from 
your  heritage,  even  as  he  has  hunted  the  Margrave  of  Jagern- 
dorf;  then  will  the  Emperor  give  the  Mark  Brandenburg 
away,  as  he  has  done  with  Jagerndorf,  rnd  his  favorite, 
Schwarzenberg,  is  here  ready  to  receive  the  welcome  donation. 
He  has  already  ruled  the  Mark  Brandenburg  twenty  years  in 
the  Emperor's  name,  why  should  he  not  rule  the  Mark  as  its 
independent  Sovereign?  Oh,  gracious  sir,  it  makes  me  rav- 
ing mad  just  to  think  of  it,  and  I  can  not  believe  that  you 
are  in  earnest,  that  you  actually  thrust  from  you  myself  and 
those  loyal  to  you,  and  will  not  enter  into  our  plans.  My  dear 
Prince,  I  have  known  you  all  your  life.  I  have  carried  you 
in  my  arms  as  a  little  boy;  I  have  borne  you  under  my  cloak 
when  you  went  with  your  mother  to  Kiistrin;  I  have  staked 
upon  you  all  the  hopes  of  my  life;  and  it  would  be  a  bitter 
grief  to  me  to  be  obliged  to  think  that  you  will  have  nothing 
to  do  with  me  and  all  your  friends." 

"  And  think  you,  man,"  asked  the  Electoral  Prince,  "  that 
it  would  be  no  grief  to  my  father  if  I  should  step  forward 
as  his  adversary?  Think  you  that  it  would  make  for  him  a 
good  name  in  history  should  the  son  present  himself  as  his 


THE  OFFER.  257 

father's  enemy?  Xo,  Burgsdorf;  I  repeat  it  to  you,  I  am 
learning  and  waiting." 

"And  I?  I  have  waited  twenty  years,  to  learn  in  this 
hour  that  all  my  waiting  has  been  in  vain.  The  Mark  is  lost, 
and  you,  Electoral  Prince,  with  it.  I  shall  tell  your  mother, 
I  shall  tell  your  friends,  that  you  are  lost  to  us.  Farewell, 
sir,  and,  if  you  will,  go  to  Count  Schwarzenberg  and  tell  him 
that  I  am  a  traitor  and  conspirator.  I  shall  go  back  to  Kiis- 
trin,  and  if  I  were  not  ashamed,  I  could  weep  over  myself  and 
you.  No,  I  am  not  ashamed;  look,  sir,  at  least  you  have  con- 
strained, me." 

And  the  tears  gushed  from  his  eyes  and  fell  down  upon 
his  grizzly,  gray  beard.  He  clapped  his  hands  before  his  face 
and  sobbed  aloud.  The  Electoral  Prince  turned  pale.  He 
fixed  a  glance  full  of  confidence  and  love  upon  the  colonel, 
and  had  already  opened  his  lips  for  an  answer,  which  he  would 
probably  have  afterward  repented,  when  Burgsdorf  suddenly 
drew  his  hands  from  before  his  face  and  angrily  shook  his 
head. 

"  I  am  a  fool!  "  he  said  furiously,  "  and  it  would  serve  me 
right,  old  baby  that  I  am,  if  you  should  laugh  at  me.  Fare- 
well! " 

He  made  a  formal  military  salute,  turned  abruptly  and 
crossed  the  apartment  to  the  door.  Now,  when  his  hand  was 
already  upon  the  latch,  the  Electoral  Prince  made  a  few  steps 
forward.    Colonel  Burgsdorf  turned  about. 

"  Did  you  call  me,  sir?  " 

"  No,  colonel,  farewell!  " 

The  door  closed,  and  Frederick  William  was  alone.  His 
large  blue  eyes  were  directed  toward  heaven  with  a  look  of 
inexpressible  grief. 

"  I  have  in  this  hour  offered  up  a  greater  sacrifice  than 
Abraham,  when  he  sacrificed  his  son  to  his  God,"  he  whis- 
pered. "  Has  God  accepted  my  sacrifice,  will  he  in  his  mercy 
some  day  reward  me  for  it?  " 


258  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 


VIII. — The  Banquet. 

The  city  of  Berlin  was  to-day  in  a  state  of  unusual  stir 
and  excitement.  Everybody  made  haste  to  finish  his  noon- 
day meal,  and  nobody  thought  of  complaining  especially  that 
this  repast  was  so  sparingly  provided  and  served  in  such  small 
portions,  and  that  the  dread  specter  of  hunger  was  ever  stalk- 
ing nearer  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  unhappy,  much-plagued 
town.  They  were  to-day  looking  forward  to  a  spectacle — 
one,  moreover,  for  which  no  money  was  to  be  paid,  which 
could  be  had  gratis,  just  by  being  upon  the  street  in  right  time 
and  struggling  to  obtain  a  good  position  on  the  cathedral 
square,  before  the  palace,  or  much  better,  before  Count 
Schwarzenberg's  palace.  For  to-day  the  count  gave  a  great 
banquet  in  his  palace  on  Broad  Street,  and  it  was  well  worth 
the  trouble  of  contending  for  a  place  before  the  palace,  and 
not  even  being  frightened  by  a  few  cuffs  and  blows.  The 
whole  fashionable  world  of  Berlin,  all  the  nobility  of  the 
regions  round  about,  were  invited  to  this  feast,  and  the  whole 
court  was  to  appear  there.  And  it  was  so  rarely  that  the 
Electoral  family  was  ever  to  be  seen  by  the  town.  They  had 
passed  almost  a  year  in  the  Mark,  but  in  such  quiet  and  re- 
tirement did  they  live  that  their  presence  would  hardly  have 
been  recognized  if  on  Sunday  in  the  cathedral  church,  which 
stood  in  the  center  of  the  square  between  the  palace  and 
Broad  Street,  their  lofty  personages  had  not  been  discernible 
behind  the  glass  panes  of  the  Electoral  gallery.  But  to-day 
they  were  not  to  be^  seen  in  the  seriousness  of  devotion,  with 
their  solemn,  church-going  faces,  but  in  the  pomp  and  splen- 
dor of  their  exalted  station,  in  the  glitter  of  their  earthly 
greatness.  And,  above  all  things,  they  were  to  see  the  Elec- 
toral Prince,  the  Prince  who  had  but  just  returned  home,  the 
hope  of  the  downtrodden  land,  the  future  of  the  Mark  Bran- 
denburg! 

How  the  good  people  hurried  with  joyful,  eager  faces 
along  toward  Broad  Street,  with  what  hasty  movements  did 
they  rush  across  the  Spree  Bridge!  A  black,  surging  throng 
of  men  stood  before  the  castle  on  the  cathedral  square,  a  dense, 


THE   BANQUET.  259 

motionless  mass  before  Count  Schwarzenberg's  palace.  Only 
one  passage  was  left  free,  broad  enough  to  allow  the  carriage 
to  drive  across  the  castle  square  to  the  palace,  and  on  both 
sides  of  this  stood  the  halberdiers  of  the  Stadtholder's  body- 
guard, threateningly  presenting  their  halberds  toward  those 
who  ventured  to  step  forward.  The  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark 
had  Ms  own  bodyguard — fine,  athletic  fellows,  of  proud  bear- 
ing, in  splendid  uniforms,  trimmed  everywhere  with  genuine 
gold  and  silver  lace,  while,  as  everybody  knew,  the  members 
of  the  Electoral  bodyguard  wore  nothing  but  imitation  lace 
upon  their  uniform.s.  The  Elector's  bodyguard,  indeed,  were 
paid  and  clothed  by  citizens,  and  they,  on  account  of  their 
want  and  distress,  had  refused  to  pay  the  last  bodyguard  tax, 
while  the  Stadtholder's  bodyguard  consisted  of  members  of 
Ms  household  and  was  paid  and  clothed  by  himself.  And 
Count  Schwarzenberg  was  very  rich,  and  the  citizens  were 
very  poor,  but  still  the  count  had  never  once  practiced  mild- 
ness and  mercy,  and  relieved  the  poor  cities  of  their  taxes  and 
imposts,  or  given  of  Ms  wealth  to  their  poverty. 

To-day,  however,  he  gave  a  fete,  a  splendid  fete,  and  how- 
ever much  at  other  times  they  dreaded  and  hated  him,  his 
fete  they  could  still  look  upon,  and  with  longing  eyes  behold 
all  its  magnificence.  It  was,  indeed,  glorious  to  look  upon, 
and  they  saw,  moreover,  how  much  the  Stadtholder  honored 
and  esteemed  the  Elector,  for  never  before  had  he  displayed 
such  splendor,  when  he  merely  invited  the  high  nobility. 
Above  the  grand  door  of  entrance  was  stretched  a  canopy  of 
crimson  cloth,  edged  with  gold,  the  golden  pillars  of  the 
canopy  reaching  out  even  into  the  street.  The  four  stone 
steps  leading  from  the  front  door  were  covered  with  fine  car- 
peting, which  also  stretched  away  to  the  street,  to  the  spot 
where  the  guests  were  to  alight  from  their  carriages.  On  both 
sides  of  the  carpet  stood  serried  ranks  of  the  Stadtholder's 
lackeys  in  their  flashy  gold-trimmed  liveries.  They  were 
headed  by  the  count's  two  stewards,  with  golden  wands  in 
their  hands,  broad  gold  bands  about  their  shoulders,  and 
monstrous  three-cornered  hats  tipon  their  heads.  It  was  very 
fine  to  look  upon,  and  not  merely  the  merry  urchins,  who 
were  swinging  upon  the  iron  railings  of  the  count's  park, 


260  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

opposite  the  palace  on  the  side  of  the  cathedral  square,  en- 
joyed the  spectacle,  but  the  respectable  burgher,  with  his  well- 
dressed  wife  upon  his  arm,  found  his  pleasure  in  it  as  well. 
The  front  doors  were  wide  open,  and  they  could  look  into  the 
gorgeous  columned  hall,  decorated  with  garlands  and  vases 
of  fresh  flowers.  Yes,  it  was  plainly  to  be  seen  that  the  Stadt- 
holder  felt  himself  greatly  honored  by  the  high  company  he 
was  to  receive  to-day,  and  this  even  reconciled  the  good  people 
a  little  to  the  proud,  imperious  Count  Schwarzenberg. 

And  now  the  distinguished  guests  came  riding  up.  There 
were  the  noblemen  from  the  country  round  about,  in  their 
antiquated,  rumbling  vehicles,  drawn  by  beautiful,  hand- 
somely harnessed  horses.  There  were  the  Quitzows,  the  Gbtzes 
and  Krockows,  the  Billows  and  Arnims,  and  as  often  as  a 
carriage  arrived  the  musicians,  stationed  on  both  sides  of  the 
palace,  blew  a  flourishing  peal  of  trumpets,  and  the  noblemen 
bowed  right  and  left,  greeting,  although  no  one  had  greeted 
them  except  Count  Schwarzenberg's  chamberlain,  von  Lehn- 
dorf,  who  received  the  guests  upon  the  threshold  of  the  house. 
But  now  resounded  a  loud  shouting  and  huzzaing,  rolling 
nearer  and  ever  nearer,  like  a  monstrous  wave,  and  an  unusual, 
joyful  movement  pervaded  the  densely  packed  mass  of  men. 
"They  come!  they  come!"  sounded  from  mouth  to  mouth, 
and  small  people  raised  themselves  on  tiptoe,  and  tall  ones 
turned  their  heads  toward  the  corner  of  the  cathedral  square. 
Already  they  saw  the  foot  runner,  with  his  plumed  hat  and 
golden  staff,  as  he  came  bounding  on,  then  the  two  foreriders 
in  their  bright  blue  liveries,  with  low,  round  caps  upon  their 
heads,  and  then  the  electoral  equipage,  the  great  gilded  coach 
of  state,  drawn  by  four  black  horses. 

"Who  is  sitting  in  the  coach  of  state?  Is  the  Electoral 
Prince  in  it?  Does  he  come  in  the  same  carriage  with  his 
father?" 

The  people  grew  dumb  from  impatience  and  expectancy, 
in  the  midst  of  their  cries  of  joy;  they  wanted  to  see!  All 
eyes  shone  with  curiosity  as  the  equipage  rolled  on.  Over 
in  the  park,  behind  the  railing,  stood  the  drummers,  and  they 
began  to  beat  a  roll,  which  the  boys  riding  on  the  railing  sec- 
onded with  genuine  rapture.    The  trumpeters  blew  a  flourish, 


THE  BANQUET.  261 

and  now  Count  Scliwarzenberg  liimself  issued  from  the  broad 
palace  door,  followed  by  his  son,  the  young  Count  John 
Adolphus.  Ah!  how  glorious  to  behold  was  the  Stadtholder 
in  the  Mark  in  his  official  costume  as  Grand  Master  of  the 
Order  of  St.  John,  his  breast  quite  covered  with  the  stars  of 
the  order,  whose  gems  glittered  and  sparkled  so  wondrously; 
and  how  handsome  looked  the  young  count,  in  liis  white  suit 
of  silver  brocade,  with  puffs  of  purple  velvet,  his  short, 
ermine-edged  mantle  of  purple  velvet,  confined  at  the 
shoulders  by  clasps.  The  two  counts  made  haste  down  the 
steps  to  the  equipage.  The  Stadtholder  in  his  amiable  im- 
patience opened  the  carriage  door  himself,  and  offered  the 
Elector  George  William  both  his  hands  to  assist  him  in  alight- 
ing. And  now,  laboriously,  gasping,  with  flushed  face,  and  a 
forced  smile  upon  his  lips,  the  Elector  dismounted  from 
his  carriage.  Leaning  upon  his  favorite's  arm,  slowly  and 
clumsily  he  moved  forward  to  the  house,  his  stout,  lofty  form 
bent,  his  gait  heavy,  and  his  blue  eyes,  which  were  only  once 
turned  to  the  gaping  multitude,  sad — oh,  so  sad!  The  people 
looked  with  pity  and  compassion  upon  the  poor,  peevish  gen- 
tleman, who,  in  spite  of  the  great  Prince's  star  upon  his 
breast  and  the  Electoral  hat  with  its  waving  pinnies,  was  not 
by  far  so  splendid  to  behold  as  the  proud,  stately  Count  Adam, 
who  strode  along  at  his  side. 

While  the  Stadtholder  was  conducting  the  Elector  into 
the  palace,  the  Electress  alighted  from  the  carriage,  the  two 
young  Princesses  following  her.  A  loud  cry  of  joy  and  ad- 
miration rang  out,  and  called  a  smile  to  the  lips  of  the  Elec- 
tress, a  deep  blush  to  the  cheeks  of  the  Princesses.  The  Elec- 
tress's  robe,  with  its  long  train  of  gold  brocade,  was  wondrous 
to  behold,  and  above  it  the  blue  velvet  mantle  with  black 
ermine  trimmings;  and  how  beautifully  the  diadem  of  dia- 
monds and  sapphires  gleamed  and  sparkled  on  the  brown 
hair  of  the  Princess!  Again  the  Stadtholder  came  out  of  the 
palace  with  hasty  steps,  flew  to  the  Electress,  and  offered  her 
his  arm,  to  lead  her  into  the  palace.  Nor  need  the  two  Prin- 
cesses walk  alone  behind;  they,  too,  have  their  knight — young 
Count  Schwarzcnberg,  who  had  received  the  Electress.  He 
offered  his  arm  to  the  Princess  Charlotte  Louise,  which  she 


262  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

accepted  with  a  lovely  smile  and  a  becoming  blush.  Ah! 
what  a  handsome  couple  that  was,  and  how  remarkably  their 
dress  corresponded,  I'or  the  Princess  was  also  dressed  in  silver 
brocade,  and  from  her  shoulders  fell  a  mantle  of  purple  velvet 
edged  with  ermine.  The  little  Princess  Sophie  Hedwig  stepped 
behind  her.  But  who  was  this  young  man,  who  suddenly 
stepped  forward,  made  his  way  through  the  throng,  and  offered 
her  his  arm?  Nobody  had  seen  him  or  observed  him,  and 
he  had  come  on  foot,  accompanied  by  a  single  page.  Who 
was  this  handsome  young  man,  in  light-blue  velvet  suit,  who 
with  the  young  Princess  on  his  arm  mounted  the  steps  with 
her,  laughing  merrily. 

"It  is  he!  It  is  the  Electoral  Prince!  It  is  Frederick 
William!  Cheers  for  our  Electoral  Prince!  Hurrah  for  Fred- 
erick William!  Welcome,  welcome  home!  Long  live  our 
Electoral  Prince!  " 

Within  the  hall,  at  the  window,  stood  the  Elector,  and 
these  shouts  emanating  from  thousands  of  throats  darkened 
his  countenance.  The  people  had  kept  silence  when  their 
Sovereign  showed  himself  to  them,  and  now  they  exulted  on 
seeing  his  son! 

Without,  at  the  head  of  the  steps,  stood  the  Electoral 
Prince,  and  the  shouting  of  so  many  thousand  voices  sum- 
moned a  glad  smile  to  his  face.  How  handsome  he  was,  and 
what  a  happiness  it  was  to  look  at  him!  How  like  a  lion's 
mane  fell  his  thick,  fair  brown  hair  on  both  sides  of  his  nar- 
row oval  face,  how  like  brilliant  stars  sparkled  his  large,  dark- 
blue  eyes,  and  what  bold  thoughts  were  written  upon  his 
broad,  clear  brow!  And  how  stately  and  impressive  was  his 
figure,  too — how  slender,  and  yet  how  firm  and  athletic!  Yes, 
those  broad  shoulders  were  well  fitted  to  bear  the  burden  of 
government,  and  behind  that  breast  beat  surely  a  strong,  great 
heart! 

"  Long  live  the  Electoral  Prince!  Three  cheers!  Long 
live  Frederick  William! " 

He  bowed  once  more,  nodding  and  bestowing  kind  greet- 
ings upon  those  on  both  sides,  then  entered  the  palace,  fol- 
lowed by  his  page  in  black  velvet  suit. 

Who  is  that  page?     Nobody  observes  him,  nobody  has 


THE  BANQUET.  263 

looked  at  him.  Who  troubles  himself  about  the  servant  when 
he  looks  at  the  master? — who  asks  why  the  page's  face  is  so 
pale,  why  his  glance  so  feverish  and  restless?  Very  few  know 
the  court  painter  Gabriel  ISTietzel,  and  those  who  do  know  him 
will  surely  never  imagine  that  it  is  he  who  to-day  acts  as  page 
to  the  Electoral  Prince  Frederick  William.  He  mingles  with 
the  host  of  gold-bedizened  servants  and  lackeys  in  the  entrance 
hall,  and  follows  them  into  the  banqueting  hall.  The  doors 
of  the  house  are  closed;  for  the  gaping  crowd  without  the 
festival  is  ended,  for  the  high-born  guests  within  it  is  but  just 
begun.  The  two  wings  of  the  doors  leading  into  the  banquet- 
ing hall  are  thrown  open  by  the  halberdiers,  the  musicians 
in  the  gilded  balcony  to  the  rear  blow  a  loud,  dashing  flourish, 
and  the  Elector  enters  the  hall,  followed  by  the  Electress, 
who  leans  upon  the  arm  of  Count  Schwarzenberg.  On  both 
sides  of  the  hall  stand  the  lords  and  ladies  of  the  nobility,  who 
bow  down  to  the  ground,  nothing  being  visible  but  the  bowed 
necks  of  men,  the  courtesying  forms  of  women — all  is  rever- 
ence, solemnity,  and  silence.  In  the  middle  of  the  long  table, 
just  before  that  immense,  solid  mirror  of  Venetian  crystal,  are 
the  places  of  the  Electoral  pair,  as  may  be  seen  by  those  throne- 
like  armchairs,  on  whose  tall,  straight  backs  is  carved  a  golden 
crown — as  may  be  seen  by  the  glittering  gold  plate  of  both 
covers. 

How  gorgeously  is  the  long  table  laid,  nothing  to  be  seen 
but  gold  and  silver  plate!  In  the  center  is  a  huge  piece  of 
chased  silver,  representing  Cupids  and  genii,  who  in  golden 
shells,  cornucopias,  and  vases  offer  the  rarest  fruits,  the  most 
delicious  confections!  Before  each  lady's  plate,  in  wondrously 
cut  goblets,  is  a  magnificent  bouquet  of  flowers;  before  each 
gentleman's,  a  silver  bowl.  A  gold-bedizened  lackey  is  behind 
each  chair;  two  stand  behind  the  chairs  of  each  of  their  Elec- 
toral Highnesses. 

"  Why  stands  that  page  behind  the  Electoral  Prince's 
chair?  "  asks  the  Stadtbolder,  loud  enough  to  be  heard  by 
the  Prince,  who  is  near  liim. 

Frederick  William  breaks  off  in  the  midst  of  his  conversa- 
tion with  the  young  Count  John  Adolphus,  and  turns  smil- 
ingly to  the  Stadtbolder. 


264  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

"  Pardon,  your  grace,"  says  lie  kindly.  "  I  wished  to  pre- 
serve a  memento  of  this  handsome  entertainment,  the  first 
entertainment  by  which  my  return  home  has  been  solem- 
nized, and  with  my  father's  permission  I  have  brought  with 
me  the  court  painter  Gabriel  Nietzel,  in  order  that  he  may 
look  upon  the  feast  and  make  a  sketch  of  the  scene.  Since, 
of  course,  he  could  have  no  place  at  the  table,  he  has  as- 
sumed a  page's  garb,  that  he  may  have  the  privilege  of 
standing  behind  my  chair.  I  fancy  that  the  vain  man  would 
willingly  immortalize  himself  in  that  picturesque  costume. 
But  as  he  has  j)ut  on  a  page's  clothes,  he  will  also  perform 
a  page's  part,  and  I  have  therefore  at  his  request  con- 
sented that  he  shall  wait  upon  me  to-day  and  hand  me  all 
my  food.  Does  your  grace  also  grant  him  this  upon  my 
bequest  ?  " 

"  Oh,  most  gracious  Prince,  you  need  never  make  requests; 
you  have  only  to  command.  Away  there,  you  fellows!  away 
from  the  Electoral  Prince's  chair,  vacate  your  places  for  the 
page!  Mr.  Court  Painter  Nietzel,  take  good  care  not  to  be 
negligent  in  your  duties,  to-day  be  nothing  but  the  Electoral 
Prince's  page  so  long  as  we  are  at  table,  afterward  you  can 
again  be  the  court  painter!  " 

The  page  bowed  in  silence,  and  Count  Schwarzenberg  paid 
no  further  attention  to  him,  but  followed  the  Electoral  pair, 
who  were  making  the  circuit  of  the  hall,  here  and  there  ad- 
dressing a  friendly  word  to  some  member  of  the  nobility, 
sweeping  past  before  an  answer  could  be  stammered  forth. 
The  circuit  was  completed;  a  thrice  repeated  flourish  of  trum- 
pets resounded;  the  Chamberlain  von  Lehndorf  rushed  to  the 
window,  and  with  a  white  handkerchief  made  a  signal  down 
to  the  pleasure  garden.  Cannon  thundered  forth  salutes,  in- 
forming the  town  that  the  Elector  had  just  sat  down  to  table, 
that  the  feast  at  the  house  of  the  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark 
had  begun. 

A  choice,  a  sumptuous  banquet!  Delicious  viands,  splen- 
did wines!  Gradually  they  forgot  a  little  the  requirements 
of  rigid  etiquette  and  pompous  silence;  gradually  tongues 
were  loosened,  and  there  was  talking  and  laughing:  even  the 
Elector  lost  his  hard,  peevish  nature,  his  face  glowed  with  a 


THE  BANQUET.  265 

brighter  hue,  his  form  became  more  elastic,  and  cheerful 
words  sounded  from  his  lips. 

A  choice,  a  sumptuous  banquet!  The  Electress  laughed, 
and  had  totall}-  forgotten  that  Count  Adam  Schwarzenberg, 
sitting  at  her  side,  was  her  detested  enemy.  She  chatted  as 
cozily  and  earnestly  with  him  as  if  he  were  one  of  her  most 
devoted  friends  and  servants.  Opposite  her  sat  her  two  daugh- 
ters, and  Princess  Charlotte  Louise  inclined  with  a  pleasant 
smile  toward  Count  John  Adolphus,  who  sat  beside  her,  and 
had  just  been  painting  to  her  with  glowing  eloquence  the 
glories  of  the  imperial  city,  gorgeous  Vienna. 

Now  his  bold  glance  darted  across  at  the  Electoral  pair; 
they  were  busy  talking  and  eating;  nobody  was  noticing 
him. 

"  Princess,  dear,  adored  Princess,  do  you  hear  me  when  I 
speak  so  softly  ?  " 

"  I  hear  you,  Sir  Count." 

"Sir  Count!"  repeated  he,  sighing.  "You  retract  your 
word,  then?  You  thrust  me  again  into  the  ranks  of  your 
court  cavaliers  and  counts?  You  have  no  longer  a  word  of 
welcome  for  the  poor,  pitiable  man  who  worships  you,  who  is 
blessed  if  he  can  only  look  at  you,  only  hear  the  tones  of  your 
sweet  voice,  and  who  has  been  longing  for  this  with  desire 
and  painful  rapture  for  three  long  months?  Not  one  word 
of  welcome  for  me  ?  " 

"I  welcome  you — welcome  you  with  my  whole  heart! 
Have  you  only  been  away  three  months?  Were  they  not  three 
years?  " 

"Seems  it  so  to  you,  my  adored  mistress?  I  believe  it 
was  three  hundred  years — three  eternities.  And  yet  these 
eternities  have  not  altered  your  angelic  face.  It  is  still  ever 
radiant  in  its  heavenly,  rosy  beauty,  and  not  a  feature  betrays 
that  you  have  suffered  on  my  account,  that  you  have  longed 
for  me." 

"  Then  my  face  belies  mo,  for  I  have  longed  for  you;  there- 
fore the  months  lengthened  into  years,  and  it  seems  to  me 
as  if  I  have  become  a  very  old,  sedate  person  since  I  last  saw 
you." 

"  Oh,  dearest,  how  I  long  for  one  moment  of  solitary  com- 


266  THE  HEIR  TO  THE   THRONE. 

muning  with  you,  when  I  can  kneel  at  your  feet,  cover  your 
hands  with  kisses,  and  tell  you  how  inexpressibly  I  love  you  I 
Be  not  cruel,  Louise,  in  this  hour  of  reunion.  Tell  me  that 
you,  too,  long  for  such  a  moment — that  you  will  grant  it 
to  me." 

"  And  if  I  should  say  so,  how  would  it  help  us?  You 
know  well  that  I  am  watched  day  and  night.  My  mother 
never  lets  me  leave  her  side,  and  our  governess  watches  over 
me  still,  just  as  if  I  were  a  child  that  could  not  walk  a  step 
without  an  attendant,  nor  write  a  line  without  her  reading  it." 

"  Ah,  you  dear,  sweet  angel!  if  you  only  loved  me  half 
as  ardently  as  I  love  you,  your  pretty,  prudent  little  head 
would  already  have  devised  some  means  whereby  poor  John 
Adolphus  would  not  have  to  plead  in  vain  for  one  blissful 
moment  passed  alone  with  you." 

"  I  love  you,  John  Adolphus,  but  oh,  I  dare  not  love  you! 
The  wrath  of  my  mother  would  be  boundless  if  she  even  sus- 
pected it." 

"  She  need  not  suspect  it  beforehand,  nor  hear  anything 
about  it  before  we  are  certain  of  your  father's  gracious  con- 
sent." 

"  You  esteem  that  possible  ?  You  believe  that  my  father 
will  ever  consent  for  me " 

"For  you  to  condescend  to  become  my  wife?  I  hope  so 
— hope  that  the  Emperor's  favor  exalts  me  a  little,  so  that 
the  chasm  which  separates  us  is  not  too  great  for  you  to  cross, 
for  you  to  carry  in  your  bosom  a  strong  heart  and  a  true  love. 
About  all  these  things  I  must  speak  with  you,  sweetest  Prin- 
cess, for  here  we  must  be  cautious.  Only  see  with  what  earnest 
looks  the  Electress  is  already  regarding  us!  Be  pitiful,  Louise; 
tell  me  that  you  will  consent  to  meet  me  alone  for  one  quarter 
of  an  hour." 

"  Pass  by  the  cathedral,  then,  to-morrow  about  ten  o'clock 
of  the  forenoon.  Old  Trude  will  be  there  and  have  a  message 
for  you,  and " 

"  Long  live  our  most  gracious  Sovereign!  Long  live 
George  William!  "  cried  Count  Schwarzenberg,  rising  from 
his  seat  and  holding  the  golden  bumper  aloft  in  his  right 
hand. 


THE  BANQUET.  267 

All  the  guests  started  from  their  seats,  and  joined  in  the 
shouts:  "Long  live  our  most  gracious  Sovereign!  Long  live 
George  William!"  And  the  golden  goblets  clashed  against 
one  another,  and  the  trumpets  and  kettledrums  chimed  in 
with  crashing  peals. 

The  Electoral  Prince,  too,  would  rise  from  his  seat,  but 
his  head  swam,  all  was  whirls  and  turns  before  his  eyes,  and 
he  sank  back  upon  his  chair. 

Gabriel  Xietzel  stooped  over  him.  "  How  are  you,  gracious 
sir?    Are  you  not  well?  " 

"  Quite  well  as  yet,  Gabriel.  Only  give  me  a  fresh  glass 
of  water  and  put  some  sugar  in  it." 

Gabriel  Nietzel  flew  to  the  sideboard,  and,  while  he  filled 
a  glass  with  water,  his  pale  lips  murmured,  "  Your  evil 
genius  bade  you  say  that! "'  And  while  he  shook  into  the 
glass  the  white  pulverized  sugar,  which,  by  the  way,  he  had 
not  taken  from  the  bowl  standing  on  the  sideboard,  in  the 
depths  of  his  heart  he  whispered,  "  Eebecca,  this  I  do  for 
you!  " 

He  took  up  the  tall  tumbler  and  presented  it  to  the  Elec- 
toral Prince.  Frederick  William  seized  the  glass  and  drank, 
in  long  draughts.  It  had  done  him  good,  his  head  was  easy 
again,  there  was  no  longer  such  a  fearful  roaring  in  his 
ears. 

George  William's  countenance  glowed  and  his  eyes  burned. 
He  loved  the  pleasures  of  the  table,  and  the  wine  was  costly 
and  had  driven  all  ill  humor  from  his  heart.  He  now  felt 
quite  comfortable,  quite  happy,  and  bent  friendly  glances 
across  upon  liis  son,  who  was  so  splendid,  so  glorious  to  look 
upon,  and  the  sight  of  whom,  although  he  would  probably 
not  acknowledge  it  to  himself,  rejoiced  his  father's  heart. 

Frederick  William  had  just  removed  the  great  goblet 
from  his  lips,  and  placed  it  half  full  upon  the  table.  The 
Elector  saw  it,  the  cold  liquor  looked  inviting,  and  at  the  same 
time  he  would  give  his  son  a  public  token  of  his  kindly  dis- 
position: all  the  guests  must  see  how  high  in  his  favor  stood 
the  Electoral  Prince. 

"You  drink  water,  my  son?"  he  asked.     "That  is  wise 
and  prudent,  and  deserves  to  be  imitated  at  this  table  of 
18 


268  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

reveling.  I  will  follow  your  example,  Frederick  William. 
Hand  your  glass  across  the  table  to  me,  son." 

The  Electoral  Prince  hastily  rose  from  his  seat,  and  tried 
to  hand  the  glass  to  his  father;  but  his  hand  trembled  so  vio- 
lently that  he  could  not  hold  the  glass;  it  escaped  from  his 
hands,  and  fell  with  a  crash  upon  the  table. 

The  Electress  uttered  a  piercing  cry,  the  Princesses 
shrieked  aloud.  The  music  stopped  in  the  midst  of  a  strain 
commenced,  the  guests  interrupted  their  conversation,  and 
all  eyes  were  directed  to  the  middle  of  the  table,  where  the 
Electoral  family  was  seated.  What  did  it  mean?  Prince  Fred- 
erick William  rose  from  his  seat.  His  countenance  was  pale 
as  death,  but  he  still  tried  to  keep  a  smile  upon  his  lips.  He 
bowed  across  the  table  to  his  father.  "  Your  pardon,  sir. 
Permit  me  to  absent  myself,  for  I  am  not  quite  well." 

"Go,  my  son!"  exclaimed  George  William.  "That 
comes  from  not  being  accustomed  to  strong  Hungarian  wine!  " 
And  the  Elector  turned,  laughing,  to  his  wife,  who  glanced 
anxiously  at  her  son.  "  Your  wise  son,"  said  he,  "  has  learned 
everything,  only  he  has  not  learned  to  drink.  He  has  not 
been  taught  that  in  your  uncle's  polite  and  polished  court, 
and  we  must  supply  their  negligence  here." 

The  Electoral  Prince  reeled  through  the  hall,  waving  off 
all  who  approached  him  or  offered  him  assistance.  "  It  is 
nothing,  nothing  at  all,"  he  said  with  cheerful,  broken  voice. 
"  I  have  taken  a  little  cold.    Let  me  get  away  unnoticed." 

All  kept  their  seats,  as  the  Prince  desired,  and  as  the 
Elector  required  by  tarrying  himself  at  the  table.  Only  the 
Stadtholder,  in  his  capacity  of  host,  had  risen  from  the  table 
to  offer  his  guidance  to  the  Electoral  Prince.  He  approached 
him,  proffering  the  support  of  his  arm. 

"  Will  your  highness  do  me  the  honor  to  rest  upon  my 
arm,  and  permit  me  to  escort  you  to  your  carriage?  " 

The  Electoral  Prince  shuddered,  and,  suddenly  lifting  his 
head,  flashed  an  angry  glance  from  his  already  clouded  eyes 
into  the  proud,  composed  countenance  of  the  count.  But  it 
quickly  vanished,  Frederick  William  accepted  Schwarzen- 
berg's  proffered  arm,  and,  leaning  upon  him,  tottered  out  of 
the  hall  into  the  antechamber.    His  countenance  was  deadly 


THE   BANQUET.  269 

pale,  dark  circles  were  under  his  eyes,  his  lips  were  colorless, 
his  eyes  bloodshot.  But  still  he  maintained  his  erect  posi- 
tion by  mere  force  of  will,  and  even  controlled  himself  so 
far  as  to  smile  and  address  a  few  friendly  words  to  the  count. 

"  My  heavens,  noble  sir!  "  cried  Schwarzenberg,  with  an 
expression  of  painful  horror,  "  this  is  more  than  a  mere  pass- 
ing indisposition.    You  are  really  sick — you  are  suffering!  " 

"  Not  so,  count.  I  am  not  suffering  at  all,  and  it  is  only 
a  trifling  ailment.  My  father  is  quite  right — the  strong  wine 
has  mounted  to  my  head.     I  am  not  used  to  drinking  and 

feasting,  that  is  all.    To-morrow  will Count,  I  beg  you 

to  lead  me  to  my  carriage.    It  is  dark  before  my  eyes!  " 

And  the  Prince  sank  back  groaning  and  half  unconscious. 
The  count  beckoned  the  princely  Chamberlain  von  Gotz  to 
approach,  and  the  two  gentlemen,  aided  by  a  few  lackeys,  bore 
the  Prince  carefully  out  to  the  carriage.  Then  Frederick 
William  opened  his  eyes,  his  wandering  glance  strayed  around, 
and  his  lips  stammered  softly:  "Wliere  is  Gabriel  Nietzel? 
Is  he  with  me?  " 

But  Gabriel  Nietzel  was  nowhere  to  be  seen;  only  the 
Chamberlain  von  Gotz  was  th^re,  and  he  got  into  the  car- 
riage, which  bore  the  deadly  sick  Prince  at  full  gallop  to  the 
palace. 

Count  Schwarzenberg  looked  after  the  retreating  vehicle 
with  earnest,  thoughtful  face,  then  turned  .^  re-enter  the 
palace.  On  the  threshold  stood  Gabriel  iNietzel,  and  the  eyes 
of  the  tAvo  men  met  in  one  glance  of  awe  and  horror. 

"  Your  grace  sees  I  have  kept  my  word,"  murmured  Ga- 
briel Nietzel. 

"  Away!  "  commanded  the  count  imperiously.  "  If  you 
are  not  out  of  Berlin  in  one  hour  I  shall  have  you  arrested  by 
the  police,  and  accuse  you  as  the  murderer  of  the  Electoral 
Prince,  for  you  alone  waited  upon  him!    Be  off!  " 

But  Gabriel  Xietzel  stirred  not  from  the  threshold,  and 
the  look  which  he  fixed  upon  the  count  was  not  humble  and 
reverential,  but  threatening.  "  Sir,"  asked  he  shortly  and 
harshly — "sir,  where  arc  Pebccca  and  my  child?" 

"At  your  lodgings,  you  fool!  Hurry,  I  tell  you!"  And 
with  ungentle  hand  the  count  thrust  the  painter  from  the 


270  -THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

door,  and  returned  to  the  banqueting  hall  to  inform  the  Elec- 
tor and  his  spouse  with  smiling,  almost  mocking  gesture,  that 
the  yoxmg  gentleman  himself  had  said  that  the  strong  wine 
had  slightl)'  affected  his  head,  and  produced  a  temporary  in- 
disposition. The  Elector  laughed  aloud,  and  the  anxious  brow 
of  the  Electress  cleared  up  again.  The  entertainment  quietly 
proceeded. 

Why  should  they  he  uneasy  about  the  young  gentleman, 
who  had  no  other  suirerings  than  those  resulting  from  un- 
wonted indulgence  in  strong  drink? 

The  Electoral  Prince  had  meanwhile  arrived  with  his 
chamberlain  at  the  castle.  No  one  came  to  meet  them.  All 
the  servants  had  dispersed  hither  and  thither,  in  pursuit  of 
their  own  business  or  enjoyments.  They  knew,  indeed,  that 
Count  Schwarzenberg's  feast  would  be  continued  to  a  late 
hour  of  the  night,  and  who  could  imagine  that  the  Electoral 
Prince  would  return  home  in  so  unexpected  a  manner?  The 
castle  was  deserted,  and  the  cham^erlain  must  needs  summon 
to  his  aid  the  sentinel  who  was  pacing  up  and  down  before 
the  castle,  in  order  to  lift  the  P  ince  from  his  carriage  and 
into  the  entrance  hall.  Now  he  called  aloud  for  help,  since 
the  Prince  had  become  perfectly  helpless,  and  lay  senseless 
upon  the  stone  bench  in  the  hall. 

The  porter,  who  was  only  asl  ep  in  his  lodge,  rushed  out, 
and  old  Dietrich,  the  valet,  also  came  hurrying  down  the 
steps. 

They  bore  the  Prince  to  his  own  apartments,  put  him  to 
bed  upon  his  own  couch,  and,  as  the  Chamberlain  von  Gotz 
saw  the  old  faithful  Dietrich  standing  beside  his  young  mas- 
ter, sobbing  and  so  full  of  grief,  he  kindly  laid  his  hand  upon 
his  shoulder. 

"  It  is  nothing  of  moment,  good  old  man.  The  Prince 
has  only  taken  too  much  wine,  that  is  all.  Be  comforted.  To- 
morrow will  make  all  straight  again." 

Dietrich  sorrowfully  shook  his  head.  "  You  are  mis- 
taken. Sir  Chamberlain;  this  is  not  the  effect  of  wine.  The 
Electoral  Prince  is  much  too  fine  and  noble  a  gentleman  for 
that;  he  never  drinks  more  than  he  can  stand.  Just  see  how 
pale  and  wretched  he  looks.    My  dear  young  master  is  sick. 


THE  BANQUET.  271 

very  sick.  They  have  murdered  him,  they  have  killed  him, 
they " 

"  Hush,  Dietrich,  for  God's  sake,  hush! "  interposed  the 
chamberlain,  turning  pale.  ''  Guard  your  tongue,  that  it 
never  again  utter  such  horrible  words;  guard  your  thoughts, 
that  they  dare  not  even  think  anything  so  dreadful." 

"  It  is  true,  nevertheless,"  murmured  the  old  man,  and, 
as  he  bent  over  the  Electoral  Prince  and  watched  him  with 
loving  looks,  the  tears  fell  hot  and  fast  from  his  eyes  upon 
Frederick  William's  pale  face.  These  tears  roused  the  latter, 
restored  him  to  consciousness. 

There  was  yet  one  man  w^ho  loved  him,  who  sympathized 
with  him,  who  wept  when  he  saw  him  suffer! 

The  Electoral  Prince  opened  his  eyes,  and,  on  recognizing 
old  Dietrich,  nodded  to  him  and  murmured  softly,  "  Dietrich, 
I  am  suffering  fearfully." 

"  Hear,  Sir  Chamberlain,"  said  Dietrich;  "  the  dear 
Prince  recognizes  me,  he  has  his  reason,  he  knows  what  he  sees 

and  says,  so  you  see  it  is  not  wine  that But  he  says  that 

he  suffers  fearfully,  and  I  believe  it  indeed;   for  what  burns 

his  vitals  is I  must  go  for  the  physician.  Dr.  White;  he 

must  try  every  means;  he  must  know  what  ails  the  Prince — 
wdiat  they  have  done  to  him;  and  he  must  apply  remedies. 
Stay  here.  Sir  Chamberlain;  I  will  run  for  Dr.  White." 

And  old  Dietrich  hastily  started  to  leave  the  couch,  but 
the  Prince's  hand  was  laid  upon  his  arm,  and  held  him  fast. 

"Stay,  Dietrich,  stay!  You,  dear  Gotz,  go  you,  I  beg, 
for  Dr.  White  and  fetch  him  here;  he  must  come  immediately, 
for  I  am  really  sick.  I  suffer.  Make  haste,  dear  Gotz.  You 
are  younger,  brisker  than  my  good  old  Dietrich;  therefore 
I  choose  you." 

The  chamberlain  pressed  a  kiss  upon  the  Prince's  burning, 
trembling  hand.  "  Dearest  sir,  as  swiftly  as  a  man's  anxious 
heart  can  move  his  feet  I  shall  hasten  to  the  doctor  and  bring 
him  here! " 

The  chamberlain  flew  on  tiptoe  from  the  apartment,  and 
all  was  still.  Nothing  was  heard  but  the  low  moans  and  sighs 
of  the  Prince,  who  lay  there  with  pallid  features  and  shaking 
limbs,  while  over  him  bent  weeping  his  faithful  old  servant. 


272  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

After  a  while  the  Prince  raised  liimself  a  little,  slowly  opened 
his  eyes,  and  cast  a  sad,  sweeping  glance  around  the  room. 

"Dietrich,  are  we  alone?"  he  asked,  in  a  hoarse,  almost 
inaudible  voice. 

"  Quite  alone,  gracious  sir." 

"  Then  hear  what  I  have  to  say  to  you.  Incline  your  ear 
close  to  me,  for  you  alone  must  hear  me.  When  the  physician 
comes,  take  good  care  not  to  repeat  to  him  what  you  said  just 
now  to  the  chamberlain.  He  and  all  the  world  must  think 
that  it  is  actually  nothing  but  wine  which  has  made  me  sick. 
He  will  prescribe  medicine  for  me.  Have  it  prepared  forth- 
with. You  alone  must  stay  with  me.  Tell  them  I  have  or- 
dered it,  and  Gotz  must  return  to  the  banquet  and  tell  them 
it  was  nothing  but  wine.  Dietrich,  do  not  give  me  the  medi- 
cine, but  throw  it  away.  There  is  only  one  kind  of  physic 
for  me — milk,  only  milk,  that  is  my  cordial.  Give  me  milk, 
Dietrich,  milk  directly,  for  the  pains  are  coming  on  again, 
so  dreadfully,  oh,  so  dreadfully!  But  do  not  tell  anybody. 
Nobody  must  know  w^hat  I  suffer!  It  burns  like  fire!  Milk, 
Dietrich,  milk! " 


IX. — Love's  Saceifice. 

As  if  borne  on  the  wings  of  the  wind,  Gabriel  Nietzel  had 
flown  through  the  streets  to  his  own  abode.  It  lay  in  a  quiet, 
retired  quarter  of  the  town,  and,  as  he  turned  into  the  street 
and  looked  up  to  the  house,  he  saw  leaning  far  out  of  one  of 
the  windows  a  woman,  who,  her  face  shaded  by  her  hand,  was 
gazing  down  into  the  street.  He  recognized  the  form,  al- 
though he  could  not  see  her  countenance,  and  uttered  a  loud 
cry  of  joy.  This  cry  of  joy  found  an  echo  in  the  window 
above,  and  the  form  vanished.  Gabriel  Nietzel  rushed  into 
the  house  and  up  the  steps.  On  the  top  step  stood  a  woman 
with  outstretched  arms,  and  again  Gabriel  uttered  a  cry  of  joy 
and  pressed  his  wife  firmly  to  his  breast,  as  firmly  as  if  he 
would  never  let  her  leave  the  spot,  as  if  his  love  would  keep 


LOVE'S  SACRIFICE.  273 

and  hold  her  there  forever.  He  bore  her  through  the  open 
door  into  their  chamber,  bore  her  to  the  cradle  standing  in 
the  center  of  the  room,  and  then  sank  with  her  on  his  knees. 
Thev  looked  at  one  another,  and  then  at  the  child,  which 
lay  there  quietly  with  wide-open  eyes,  in  sweet  contentment. 
"  My  child!  my  child!  "  cried  Gabriel;  and  it  was  as  if 
now  for  the  first  time  he  saw  his  boy,  as  if  he  had  but  just 
been  sent  him  by  Heaven,  and  for  a  moment,  in  the  blissful 
consciousness  of  being  a  father,  he  forgot  all — yes,  all.  He 
snatched  up  the  child  and  hugged  and  kissed  it,  lost  in  rapture 
and  delight.  But  all  at  once  there  came  over  him  the  memory 
of  those  "pale,  quivering  features,  the  dimmed  eyes,  and  droop- 
inir  form.  A  shudder  ran  through  his  whole  frame;  with  a 
shriek  of  horror  he  let  the  child  fall  back  in  its  cradle,  and 
clasped  both  hands  before  his  face. 

Eebecca  tore  back  his  hands,  and  her  large  black  eyes 
gazed  searchingly  into  his  countenance.  She  now  for  the  first 
time  saw  how  pale  he  was,  and  how  disturbed  his  mien.  She 
now  for  the  first  time  saw  that  he  avoided  her  look,  and  that 
his  breast  heaved  convulsively. 

"  Gabriel,"  she  said,  with  firm,  impressive  voice — "  Ga- 
briel, something  is  the  matter  with  you!  Something  has  hap- 
pened to  you — something  shocking,  dreadful!  " 

"  Nothing!  "  he  cried,  hastily  leaping  up — "  nothing!  But 
we  must  begone!  "We  are  to  stay  here  no  longer.  We  must 
away  immediately — this  very  hour!  " 

"  I  know  it,"  replied  Eebecca  quietly,  her  eyes  fixed  im- 
movably upon  her  beloved—"  I  know  it,  Gabriel,  and  I  have 
prepared  everything,  as  Count  Schwarzenberg  himself  di- 
rected. I  have  been  in  Berlin  ever  since  this  morning,  but 
feared  to  come  here  until  you  had  gone  to  the  banquet.  I 
have  made  all  needful  arrangements.  I  have  hired  a  vehicle, 
which  is  waiting  for  us  outside  the  Willow-bank  Gate.  The 
count  says  we  are  to  go  on  foot;  that  no  one  in  the  city  must 
see  you  set  out,  and  give  intelligence  with  regard  to  your  move- 
ments. Since  you  have  been  gone  I  have  packed  up  all  our 
effects  in  boxes,  and  our  kind,  faithful  friend  Samuel  Cohen 
will  send  them  after  us  to  Venice.  What  is  indispensable 
for  present  use  I  have  packed  up  in  yonder  trunk,  which  we 


274  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

must  take  with  us.  All  is  ready,  Gabriel,  and  we  can  go. 
Only  one  thing  I  know  not,  have  you  money  enough  for  our 
journey?  " 

"  Money  enough!  "  repeated  Gabriel,  with  a  hoarse,  mock- 
ing laugh.  "  I  have  more  money  in  my  pocket  than  I  ever 
had  in  my  whole  life  put  together.  I  have  so  much  money 
that  we  can  buy  a  house  in  Venice,  on  the  Ghetto;  and  we 
shall,  too,  and  I  will  live  there  with  you,  and  will  become  a 
Jew,  and  take  another  name,  for  my  own  name  horrifies  me. 
I  will  not,  can  not  hear  it  again!  " 

"  Why  not?  "  asked  she  earnestly.  "  It  is  a  fine  name 
— the  name  of  a  painter,  an  artist.  Why  would  you  never 
again  hear  your  own  name,  Gabriel  Nietzel?  " 

"  Because  it  is  notorious,  infamous!  "  groaned  he — "  be- 
cause it  is  the  name  of  a " 

"Well,  why  do  you  hesitate,  Gabriel?"  asked  Kebecca 
in  anguish  of  soul,  while  she  laid  both  her  hands  upon  his 
shoulders,  and  gazed  upon  him  with  wistful  glances.  He 
would  have  avoided  her  eyes,  but  could  not;  his  looks  must 
sink  deep  into  those  glittering,  black  eyes.  Deep  they  looked, 
deep  as  the  sea,  and  he  thought  to  himself  that  a  secret  could 
be  buried  there,  and  rest  secure  in  the  bottom  of  her  heart. 

"  Gabriel  Nietzel,"  asked  Rebecca,  in  a  voice  at  once  threat- 
ening and  tender — "  Gabriel  Xietzel,  what  have  you  done? 
What  lies  heavy  upon  your  soul?  " 

"  Nothing,  my  Rebecca,  nothing!  Ask  no  questions!  We 
must  begone!  Make  haste,  dearest,  take  the  child,  and  come; 
for  if  we  do  not  hurry,  we  are  lost!  " 

She  slowly  shook  her  noble,  graceful  head  and  stirred  not 
from  her  place.  She  kept  Gabriel  in  his  with  her  hands,  which 
she  pressed  more  firmly  upon  his  shoulders. 

"  Gabriel,  my  dear,  precious  Gabriel,  what  have  you  done? 
Tell  me.  I  demand  to  know  it  as  my  right.  When  we  were 
married  on  the  Lido,  in  the  solemn  stillness  of  the  night, 
when  we  joined  hands,  and  both  swore  in  the  presence  of  your 
and  my  God  that  we  would  ever  love  one  another,  and  that 
death  alone  should  part  us,  when  you  said,  '  I  take  you  to  be 
my  wife,'  and  I  said,  '  I  take  you  to  be  my  husband,'  then  we 
likewise  swore  that  we  would  live  truly  and  confidentially 


LOVE'S  SACRIFICE.  275 

with  one  another,  and  have  no  secrets  from  each  other.  Ga- 
briel, fulfill  now  your  oath.  I  demand  it  of  you,  by  the  mem- 
ory of  that  hour,  by  my  love  for  you,  by  our  child.  Gabriel, 
what  have  you  done  ?  " 

"  I  can  not  tell  it,  and  you  may  not  hear  it,  Eebecca.  For, 
once  uttered,  that  word  will  be  a  two-edged  sword,  and  plunge 
us  both  in  misery  and  shame!  " 

"Shame!  There  is  no  shame  for  the  Jewess!  Misery! 
Tell  me  a  form  of  misery  which  I  have  not  suffered  and  en- 
dured from  childhood  up!  My  mother  was  stabbed  in  Venice 
by  a  nobleman  because  she  would  not  break  her  faith  with 
my  father  and  desert  him.  My  father  was  known  as  a  sorcerer 
and  vender  of  poisons.  The  noblemen  used  secretly  to  resort 
by  night  to  our  ^vretched  house  upon  the  Ghetto,  and  paid 
him  great  sums  for  his  drugs,  but  if  he  showed  himself  upon 
the  streets  by  day,  the  populace  hooted  and  cast  stones  after 
him.  And  when  they  saw  me,  they  hissed  and  mocked,  be- 
stowing opprobrious  epithets  upon  me,  and  even  went  out 
of  the  way  to  avoid  the  contamination  of  my  touch,  for  I  was 
the  daughter  of  a  poisoner,  a  secret  bravo — I  was  a  Jewess! 
But  when  I  was  grown,  then  the  young  noblemen  came  to  my 
father,  not  merely  for  the  sake  of  his  drugs  and  medicines, 
but  also — hush!  Not  a  breath  of  it!  You  were  my  deliverer 
— my  savior!  You  rescued  me  from  all  distress;  you  were 
to  me  as  the  Messiah,  in  whom  my  people  have  hoped  for  a 
thousand  years.  I  followed  you,  and  I  shall  go  with  you  my 
whole  life  long — go  with  you  to  the  scaffold,  if  needs  be.  I 
know  it,  Gabriel,  I  read  it  in  your  countenance;  you  have 
committed  a  crime!  " 

"  A  crime!  A  fearful  crime! "  said  he,  shuddering. 
"  Turn  your  head  away,  Rebecca,  I  am  not  worthy  that  you 
should  look  upon  me!  " 

"  I  do  look  upon  you,  Gabriel,  I  condemn  you  not.  I  am 
thinking  of  what  we  said  to  one  another  in  the  count's  picture 
gallery.  I  called  to  you  to  rescue  me  at  any  price.  I  told  you 
that  if  I  coukl  purchase  deliverance  thereby,  I  was  ready  to 
commit  a  crime.  That  to  be  with  you  again  I  would  abjure 
the  faith  of  my  fathers,  although  I  knew  I  should  die  of  peni- 
tence after  the  perpetration  of  such  a  crime." 


276  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

"  And  I  replied  to  you,  Rebecca,  that  I,  too,  was  ready 
to  perpetrate  a  crime  for  the  sake  of  rescuing  you  and  calling 
you  my  own  again,  and  that  I  would  not  die  of  penitence." 

"  And  yet  you  do  repent,  Gabriel,  you  shudder  at  your- 
self. For  you  have  done  it,  you  have  committed  a  crime.  I 
will  have  my  share  in  it,  half  of  it  belongs  to  me.  In  the  sight 
of  God,  I  am  your  wife,  and  you  have  sworn  to  share  every- 
thing with  me.  Then  divide  with  me,  Gabriel;  I  claim  my 
right.  Share  with  me  your  crime,  or  I  shall  think  that  you 
love  me  no  more,  and  then  I  shall  go  away,  and  you  will  never 
see  me  more." 

"  I  do  love  you,  Rebecca — I  do  love  you!  For  your  sake  I 
have  become  a  criminal,  a  murderer!  I  have  purchased  you 
at  the  price  of  my  soul!  Lay  your  ear  close  to  my  mouth,  and 
I  will  tell  you  my  dreadful  secret:  Rebecca,  I  am  a  murderer, 
a  cursed  murderer!  I  have  committed  a  murder,  which  will 
cry  out  to  Heaven  against  me  as  long  as  I  live;  for  him  whom 
I  have  murdered  had  never  done  me  harm,  but  only  good,  and 
he  confided  in  me,  and  trusted  to  my  faith.  Rebecca,  I  am 
cursed,  and  my  name  will  be  a  byword  in  the  mouths  of 
men  while  books  of  history  last.  Rebecca,  I  have  poisoned  the 
Electoral  Prince  Frederick  William!  " 

She  uttered  a  piercing  shriek,  and  fell  back,  as  if  struck 
by  a  thunderbolt. 

"  The  Electoral  Prince  Frederick  William!  Not  Count 
Schwarzenberg!  The  noble  youth;  not  that  detested  evil- 
doer, not  him,  who  has  deserved  death  a  thousandfold?" 

"  He  had  not  merely  my  life  in  his  power,  but  yours  and 
our  child's.  It  would  have  profited  me  nothing  to  murder 
him;  we  should  only  all  three  have  been  irretrievably  lost. 
I  was  forced  to  obey  his  orders — to  perform  the  horrible  deed 
— in  order  to  save  you  and  myself.  " 

Rebecca  pressed  both  hands  tightly  across  her  brow,  and 
stared  long  at  vacancy.  "  He  must  be  saved!  "  she  said. 
Then,  after  a  pause,  in  a  tone  of  firm  determination,  "  Yes,  he 
m\ist  be  saved!  " 

"  What  could  we  do  to  save  him?  "  sighed  Gabriel  hope- 
lessly. "  Nothing!  You  know  your  father's  drugs  are  subtile, 
and  never  fail  in  their  effects!  " 


LOVE'S  SACRIFICE.  277 

''  You  administered  to  him  some  of  the  medicine  which 
my  father  presented  you  with?"  asked  she,  with  a  wondrous 
gleam  of  light  in  her  black  eyes. 

"  Yes,  I  gave  him  some.  You  know  when  we  took  leave 
of  your  father  he  handed  me  three  boxes  as  a  keepsake,  say- 
ing that  they  were  the  only  dowry  he  could  give  me  with  you, 
but  that  many  a  prince  would  pay  us  immense  sums  for  them, 
if  we  should  sell  them  to  him  for  his  dear  relations;  for  in 
these  boxes  were  the  deadliest  poisons,  leaving  behind  not 
a  trace  of  their  existence.  The  contents  of  one  box  causes 
instantaneous  death,  and  lie  therefore  called  it  '  the  apoplexy 
powder.'  The  contents  of  the  second  box  killed  more  slowly, 
and  prolonged  the  patient's  life  ten  or  twelve  days;  therefore 
he  called  it  '  the  inflammatory  powder.'  The  third  powder, 
however,  because  it  works  slowest  of  all,  he  called  '  the  con- 
sumptive powder.'  " 

"  And  of  which  powder  did  you  give  to  the  Electoral 
Prince?"  asked  Eebecca  breathlessly. 

"  Of  the  inflammatory  powder,  for  it  was  least  dangerous 
to  us." 

"  Did  the  Prince  drink  the  whole  potion  poured  out  for 
him?" 

"  No,  he  only  drank  half,  and  when  he  tried  to  hand  it 
to  his  father,  who  asked  for  it,  the  glass  fell  from  his  trem- 
bling hands,  and  its  contents  were  spilled  upon  the  table." 
"'  Therefore  the  Prince  only  took  half  a  powder?  " 
"  Only  half.  But  still  he  must  die,  for  your  father  told 
me  one  pinch  would  produce  death;  and  I  gave  him  two,  that 
the  count  might  see  its  effects." 

Rebecca  did  not  reply.  She  had  sunk  upon  her  knees  and 
folded  her  hands.    Her  lips  moved  as  if  in  silent  prayer. 

"What  think  you?  "  asked  Gabriel  Nietzel,  after  a  pause. 
"  Why  do  you  not  speak  to  me?  Do  you  despise  me,  because 
I  have  confessed  my  crime  to  you?  Do  you  turn  away  from 
the  poisoner,  the  murderer?" 

"  No,"  said  she,  suddenly  drawing  herself  up  erect.  "  No, 
I  do  not  despise  you,  but  I  love  you,  and  because  I  love  you 
I  will  not  that  you  should  be  a  criminal.  Had  you  poisoned 
the  count,  then  I  should  have  said,  '  You  have  accomolished 


27S  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

a  good  work.  God  lias  killed  him  by  j^our  hand;  you  are 
nothing  more  than  the  executioner,  who  has  inflicted  merited 
death  upon  the  wicked,  and  has  rid  the  world  of  him.  Lift 
up  your  head  and  be  joyful,  for  you  were  a  tool  in  God's 
hand! '  But  you  have  poisoned  a  noble,  good  man,  the  son 
of  your  benefactress,  and  his  death  would  cry  out  against 
you,  and  our  child  would  be  punished  for  the  crime  of  his 
father.  '  For  I  am  a  God  of  vengeance,'  says  the  Lord,  '  and 
I  will  visit  the  sins  of  the  fathers  upon  the  children  unto  the 
third  and  fourth  generation.'  I  love  you,  Gabriel,  and  no 
sin  or  crime  could  separate  me  from  you;  for  have  you  not 
taken  to  your  heart  the  daughter  of  a  criminal,  and  sinned 
for  her  sake?  But  our  child  shall  not  suffer  for  what  his 
parents  have  done.  The  God  of  our  fathers  shall  not  take 
vengeance  on  our  child,  the  sun  and  happiness  shall  shine 
upon  him;  for  we,  Gabriel,  we  have  known  night  and  mis- 
fortune, and  tasted  all  the  bitterness  of  life.  Gabriel,  our 
child  must  be  free  from  stain  of  guilt  or  crime,  and  therefore 
must  the  Electoral  Prince  be  saved." 

"  Say  how  can  it  be  done,  show  me  a  way  to  save  him!  " 
"  I  know  the  way,  and  I  will  take  it.  I  would  save  you 
and  the  child  from  bloodguiltiness  and  sin.  Swear  to  me, 
Gabriel,  that  you  will  do  what  I  shall  require  of  you.  Think 
of  that  hour  upon  the  Lido  when  I  gave  myself  to  you.  Think 
of  the  hour  when  this  child  was  born,  and  I  laid  it  in  your 
arms  and  said:  '  Take  it.  It  is  a  gift  of  my  love.  Take  the 
child  with  whom  God  has  blessed  us,  and  pronounced  us 
pure! '  And  you  swore  to  me  with  tears  that  you  would  be 
a  faithful  father  to  our  child  all  his  life,  and  shield  him  as 
far  as  in  you  lay  from  all  the  pains  of  earth.  By  the  memory 
of  that  oath  I  now  require  you,  Gabriel  ISTietzel,  to  lay  your 
hand  upon  my  child's  head,  and  solemnly  swear  to  me,  by 
God,  by  our  child,  and  by  your  love  for  me,  to  do  exactly  what 
I  shall  now  demand  of  you." 

With  reverential,  timid  admiration  Gabriel  Metzel  looked 
into  Eebecca's  countenance,  which  was  beaming  with  energy 
and  beauty.  He  could  not  turn  away  his  glance  from  her, 
for  it  seemed  as  if  his  inmost  soul  was  held  spellbound  by 
her  large,  flaming  eyes,  resting  fixedly  upon  him.    Ever  look- 


LOVE'S  SACRIFICE.  279 

ing  at  Rebecca,  he  laid  his  hand  upon  the  head  of  the  child 
that  lay  slumbering  in  the  cradle,  and  said  in  a  distinct,  sol- 
emn voice :  "  I  swear  by  God,  by  our  child,  and  by  my  love 
for  you,  Eebecca,  that  I  shall  do  exactly  what  you  will  require 
of  me." 

She  nodded  her  head  as  proudly  and  gravely  as  if  she  had 
been  a  queen,  who  had  just  received  the  homage  of  her  vassal. 

"  Listen  then,  Gabriel,"  she  said.  "  You  take  the  trunk, 
I  take  the  child,  and  let  us  be  going,  for  the  wagon  is  waiting 
for  us  outside  the  Willow-bank  Gate,  as  you  know.  Do  not 
speak  to  me  by  the  way,  for  I  have  still  much  to  plan  and 
ponder.  Time  does  not  stand  still,  and  every  moment  in- 
creases the  Prince's  peril.  If  help  does  not  reach  him  to-night, 
then  is  he  lost  beyond  hope  of  recovery.    Come!  " 

Already  a  question  was  trembling  on  Gabriel  Metzel's 
lips.  He  wished  to  ask,  "  Can  he  by  any  possibility  be  saved?  " 
But  she  had  said,  "  Do  not  speak  to  me,"  and,  obedient  to  his 
oath,  he  remained  dumb,  took  up  the  trunk,  and  followed 
Eebecca,  who  had  tenderly  lifted  the  child  from  its  crib  and 
had  just  gone  out  of  the  door.  Swiftly  they  passed  side  by 
side  through  the  streets,  which  were  still  deserted,  for  all 
loungers  and  street  idlers  were  still  tarrying  in  Broad  Street 
or  on  the  castle  square.  Many  a  time  Gabriel  cast  a  look  of 
questioning  entreaty  upon  Eebecca,  but  she  saw  it  not;  she 
seemed  to  see  nothing  whatever,  for  her  eyes  were  gazing 
afar  off;  like  a  somnambulist,  she  strode  along,  and  even  when 
the  baby  in  her  arms  began  to  cry  she  took  no  notice  of  it, 
nor  sought  to  comfort  it  with  tender,  soothing  words.  At 
last  they  had  passed  the  gate  behind  the  willow  bank,  and 
found  themselves  without  the  city.  There  stood  the  wagon 
waiting  for  them,  covered  with  a  tilt  of  gray  canvas.  The 
Jewisb  boy  who  sat  on  the  back  seat  under  the  canvas  awning 
had  fallen  asleep,  resting  his  head  against  the  great  wooden 
arch  to  which  the  cover  was  secured.  The  two  lean  little 
horses  were  greedily  eating  of  the  oats  in  the  dirty  bags  around 
their  necks.  Not  a  creature  was  to  be  seen.  The  wretched 
conveyance  had  excited  no  attention  whatever,  and  caused 
not  a  single  passer-by  to  pause. 

Rebecca  stepped  up  to  the  wagon  and  gently  laid  the 


280  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

cliild  in  the  straw  with  wliich  the  vehicle  was  filled.  Then, 
with  a  silent  wave  of  the  hand,  she  ordered  Gabriel  to  set 
down  the  trunk  he  was  carrying.  He  did  so,  and  Rebecca 
took  a  key  ont  of  her  pocket,  knelt  down  before  the  trunk, 
and  sought  hither  and  thither  among  its  contents.  First  she 
took  from  the  bottom  of  the  trunk  a  packet  with  five  seals, 
and,  as  she  hastily  stuck  it  in  her  bosom,  her  eye  was  uplifted 
to  heaven  with  a  glance  of  glowing  gratitude.  Then  she  took 
out  a  white  dress  and  a  long  white  veil,  carefully  concealing 
these  things  under  the  great  black  mantle  which  enveloped 
her  figure.  Finally,  she  locked  the  trunk  and  handed  the  key 
to  Gabriel. 

"  Place  the  trunk  gently  in  the  wagon,  so  as  not  to  wake 
the  child,"  she  said.  Gabriel  silently  obeyed,  and  then,  stand- 
ing on  the  footboard  of  the  wagon,  reached  down  his  hand 
to  her,  as  if  he  would  ask  her  to  follow. 

She  shook  her  head  quickly.  "  Come,  Gabriel,"  said  she, 
"  come,  let  us  step  across  and  talk  under  yon  tree.  The 
child  sleeps  and  David  Cohen  sleeps,  too.  Nobody  hears  us. 
Come." 

With  hasty  steps  they  crossed  over  to  the  great  linden 
tree  which  stood  at  the  side  of  the  road.  The  birds  sang  and 
hopped  about  amid  its  dense  foliage,  and  the  hot  sunbeams 
drew  forth  the  most  delicious  fragrance  from  the  blossoms 
with  which  each  branch  was  laden.  But  the  pair  who  walked 
up  and  down  under  the  tree  heeded  neither  the  singing  of  the 
birds  nor  the  perfume  of  the  flowers.  They  were  alone  with 
one  another  and  the  sad,  gloomy  thoughts  with  wliich  both 
their  souls  were  filled. 

"  Gabriel,"  said  Eebecca,  recovering  breath,  "  I  will  go  to 
free  you  from  the  stain  of  blood,  for  if  it  remain  it  would  not 
merely  poison  the  Electoral  Prince  but  your  whole  life.  My 
father  gave  you  only  the  half  of  my  dowry,  as  he  called  it. 
The  other  half  he  retained  and  gave  me.  After  he  had  pre- 
sented you  with  the  poison,  and  I  was  alone  with  him  in  his 
chamber,  he  held  out  to  me  the  sacred  volume,  and  required 
me  to  take  three  oaths,  by  the  memory  of  my  murdered 
mother  and  by  the  hatred  and  revenge  which  we  had  sworn  to 
the  whole  world  upon  her  beloved  body.    First,  I  must  swear 


LOVE'S  SACRIFICE.  281 

that  I  would  never  abjure  the  faith  of  my  fathers  and  become 
a  Christian.  Secondly,  I  must  swear  that  I  would  rear  the 
child  that  God  would  give  me  in  our  own  religion,  and  never 
wliile  I  lived  consent  to  its  being  made  a  Christian.  Thirdly, 
I  must  swear  to  preserve  the  sealed  packet  he  intrusted  to  me 
as  my  greatest  treasure,  my  most  precious  possession,  and  only 
to  tell  you  of  it  in  ease  of  the  most  extreme  danger  and  neces- 
sity; that  I  was  only  to  make  use  of  the  contents  to  purchase 
wealth  or  happiness.  '  I  have  given  death  into  your  dear 
Gabriel's  hand,'  he  said,  '  into  your  hand,  my  daughter,  I 
give  life,  and  surely  that  is  something  much  more  rare  and 
precious.  He  has  the  poisons;  I  give  you  the  antidotes.  They 
are  worth  tons  of  gold;  they  are  my  most  precious  treasure, 
and  twenty  years  have  I  labored  ere  I  discovered  them.  When 
I  succeeded,  I  thanked  God  for  this  glorious  discovery,  and 
then  thrice  I  swore  upon  the  sacred  volume,  with  my  face 
turned  to  the  East  and  with  loud  voice,  that  never  should  a 
Christian  obtain  these  priceless  antidotes  through  me,  that 
never  would  I  impart  knowledge  of  them  to  a  Christian.  I 
will  keep  my  oath,  and  divulge  the  holy  secret  only  to  you, 
my  Eebecca.  Guard  it  in  your  bosom  under  three  sacred 
seals,  and  only  in  the  most  perilous  hour  of  your  life  break 
the  seal,  which  I  herewith  lay  upon  your  lips.  But  never 
may  you  transfer  this  precious  treasure  to  other  hands;  no 
Christian  may  ever  touch  it.  Would  you  save  life,  then  you 
must  do  it  yourself,  and  only  from  your  own  hands  may  the 
one  smitten  with  death  receive  life.' 

"  Those  were  the  words  spoken  by  my  father,  when  he 
handed  me  the  sealed  packet.  Then  he  instructed  me  how 
to  apply  the  contents,  and  what  I  would  have  to  do  in  order 
to  render  ineffective  the  three  poisons  given  you.  '  Only,' 
said  he  to  me, '  the  antidote  must  be  administered  before  f our- 
and-twenty  hours  have  elapsed  since  the  poison  was  swallowed, 
and  then,  still  twenty-four  hours  later,  the  antidote  must  be 
used  for  the  second  time.'  Gabriel,  my  best-beloved,  now  is 
the  most  perilous  hour  of  my  life,  and  I  have  loosened  the 
seal  which  my  father  pressed  upon  my  lips.  I  have  the  anti- 
dote for  the  inflammatory  powder." 

"  Ah,  liebecca,  and  you  Avill  give  it  to  me?  "  asked  Gabriel, 


282  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

seizing  both  lier  liands  and  looking  into  her  lovely  face  with 
beaming  eyes. 

She  slowly  and  solemnly  shook  her  head.  "  You  are  a 
Christian,"  she  said.  "  I  have  sworn  to  my  father  that  no 
Christian  should  touch  the  precious  treasure,  that  no  hands 
but  my  own  should  apply  the  remedy  he  intrusted  to  me. 
Gabriel,  out  of  love  for  me  you  gave  the  Prince  into  the 
jaws  of  death.  Out  of  love  for  you  I  shall  restore  him  to 
life." 

"  Eebecca!  "  he  cried,  "  how  will  you  do  it — how  can  you 
accomplish  it?  Only  from  your  hands  the  Prince  is  to  re- 
ceive life?  That  means,  you  will  yourself  apply  the  remedy? 
You  will  go  to  him?  You  would  return  to  the  city,  venture 
into  the  castle?  Know  you  not  that  Schwarzenberg  has  his 
spies  everywhere;  that  every  lackey  in  the  castle  is  bribed 
by  him  and  in  his  interests;  that  he  knows  what  happens  there 
night  and  day?  Do  you  not  know  that,  Eebecca?  Did  you 
not  yourself  often  tell  me  so,  when  you  visited  the  castel- 
lan's wife,  who  loved  you,  because  she,  too,  was  a  Venetian, 
and  could  speak  her  native  language  with  you.  Did  she  not 
tell  you  in  confidence  that  Count  Schwarzenberg  was  her 
real  lord  and  master,  and  that  she  herself  every  morning  re- 
peated to  the  count's  secretary  all  that  came  under  her  ob- 
servation in  the  castle?  And  now  would  you  venture  into 
that  castle,  that  den  of  lions!  " 

"  Did  not  Daniel  venture  into  the  lion's  den,  and  the  wild 
beasts  touched  him  not?"  cried  she.  ""Why  should  I  fear, 
since  my  work  is  holy  and  pure  as  Daniel's  was?  " 

"  I  shall  not  suffer  it.  I  shall  cling  to  you  and  hold  you 
back." 

*'  Gabriel  Metzel,  bethink  you  of  the  oath  you  swore  upon 
our  child's  head.  You  will  do  what  I  require  of  you!  This 
you  swore.    Will  j^ou  break  your  oath?  " 

"  No,  Eebecca,"  he  said  mournfully.  "  Command — I  shall 
obey." 

"  I  shall  return  to  the  city,"  continued  Eebecca.  "  Old 
Benjamin  Cohen  will  hospitably  entertain  me  and  provide 
me  with  a  s?fe  hiding  place.  By  night  I  shall  go  to  the  castle, 
and  make  r  are  that  no  one  will  detain  me,  no  one  will  recog- 


LOVE'S  SACRIFICE.  283 

nize  me,  and  that  Count  Schwarzenberg's  spies  shall  not 
report  that  Eebecca  Metzel  was  in  the  castle  and  in  the 
Prince's  room.  The  dress  which  I  shall  assume  will  be  a  cer- 
tain protection;  trust  to  me  and  ask  no  questions.  I  know 
every  door  and  inlet  to  the  castle,  for  the  castellan's  wife  often 
showed  me  through  the  palace,  and  stairs  and  corridors,  secret 
doors  and  passages  are  all  familiar  to  me.  I  know  a  little 
door  on  the  Spree  side,  which  is  never  locked,  because  nobody 
knows  of  its  existence,  or  would  regard  it,  for  it  only  leads 
to  a  little  niche;  and  that  a  secret  door  is  concealed  within 
this  niche,  not  even  the  castellan's  wife  herself  knows.  I  dis- 
covered it  one  day,  when  I  had  lost  my  way  in  the  castle,  and 
was  wandering  in  distress  through  the  corridors.  I  said  noth- 
ing about  my  discovery,  and  now  I  shall  profit  by  it  to  gain 
safe  access  and  to  go  out  again.  The  next  day  I  shall  spend 
in  concealment  at  Benjamin  Cohen's,  and  at  night  I  shall  go 
again  to  the  palace,  for  the  dose  must  be  repeated.  Twice 
in  the  course  of  forty-eight  hours  must  it  be  administered,  if 
life  is  to  vanquish  death.  When  I  leave  the  castle  the  second 
night,  my  work  will  be  done,  for  crime  will  be  taken  away  from 
our  heads,  and  our  child  will  not  have  to  suffer  for  the  sins 
of  its  parents.  Then,  my  Gabriel,  then  we  shall  return  to  my 
beautiful  home,  then  shall  we  be  free  and  happy!  Think  of 
that,  my  beloved,  and  let  us  patiently  bear  what  must  be 
borne." 

"  I  will  think  of  that,  Eebecca.  But  tell  me,  what  shall 
I  do? — how  shall  I  pass  the  long,  dreary  days  of  our  separa- 
tion? Do  not  be  cruel.  Let  me  return  to  the  city  with  you. 
Benjamin  Cohen  will  furnish  a  safe  retreat  for  me  and  the 
child,  as  well  as  for  yourself.  I  swear  to  you  that  I  will  keep 
myself  concealed  in  the  cellar,  under  the  roof,  anywhere  you 
will,  only  let  me  go  with  you!  " 

"  It  can  not  be.    The  child's  life  must  not  be  endangered, 

nor  yours  either,  that  I  may  maintain  the  courage  needful 

for  action.    Consider  your  oath,  and  do  what  I  require.    N"ow 

get  into  the  wagon  without  delay.     David  is  a  good  driver, 

and  perfectly  devoted  to  us.    Travel  day  and  night  until  you 

reach  Brandenburg.     There  dwells  a  brother  of  Benjamin, 

little  David  Cohen's  uncle.     At  his  house  remain  in  retire- 
i9 


284  THE   HEIR  TO   THE   THRONE. 

ment  nntil  I  join  you,  and,  0  Gabriel!  then  we  shall  set  out 
together." 

"  Rebecca,  I  can  not,  indeed  I  can  not  leave  you!  " 

"  You  must,  for  your  crime  must  be  expiated.  Think, 
Gabriel,  a  long  life  of  happiness  lies  before  us.  Let  us  cour- 
ageously pass  through  the  last  cloud  of  evil,  for  beyond  is 
day,  beyond  is  the  sun,  beyond  is  Italy,  the  land  of  love  and 
art!  Now  let  us  part,  dearest.  Farewell,  till  we  meet  again 
in  joy!  " 

"  Can  you,  Rebecca,  can  you  so  suddenly  leave  me  and 
be  parted  from  me?  " 

"  I  never  leave  you,  for  my  soul  is  ever  with  you.  No 
leave-takings,  Gabriel;  they  make  us  weak,  and  sternly  I  must 
go  to  meet  stern  fate.  Give  me  your  hand.  Farewell!  Above 
lives  a  God  for  all  men.    He  will  protect  me." 

"  Rebecca,  only  give  me  one  parting  kiss!  " 

"  I  shall  kiss  you  when  atonement  has  been  made — nor 
until  then  shall  I  kiss  our  child  again!  Know  this,  Gabriel, 
that  my  love  for  you  is  eternal,  it  will  abide  even  unto  the 
end  of  the  world!  Now,  let  us  part.  Hark!  the  child  cries. 
He  calls  for  his  father.  Go  to  him,  Gabriel,  and  tell  our 
child  that  his  mother  loves  you  both  more  than  her  own  life! 
Go!" 

He  tried  once  more  to  seize  her  hand  and  embrace  her. 
She  waved  him  back,  and  with  an  imperious  movement  pointed 
to  the  wagon. 

"  Remember  your  oath,  Gabriel;  you  must  do  what  I  re- 
quire of  you,"  she  said  firmly. 

"  But  just  tell  me  one  thing,  Rebecca,"  implored  he  hum- 
bly.   "  When  shall  we  meet  again?  " 

"  In  four  or  five  days,  Gabriel.  Stay  quietly  at  Branden- 
burg, and  wait  for  me  there  eight  days.  If  by  that  time  I  have 
not  come  to  you  at  Brandenburg,  consider  it  as  a  sign  that 
I  have  chosen  some  other  route,  to  escape  the  anger  and  pur- 
suit of  Count  Schwarzenberg,  and  that  I  have  forborne  to 
communicate  with  you  lest  I  should  be  betrayed.  Then  travel 
with  the  child  to  Venice,  making  all  possible  speed.  I  shall 
join  you  on  the  way;  but  if  I  can  not,  then  we  shall  meet 
again  in  safety  at  my  father's  house  in  Venice." 


LOVE'S  SACRIFICE.  285 

"Eebecca,  it  is  impossible;  I  can  not " 

"Hush!"  interrupted  she;  "the  child  cries  still,  and 
David  Cohen,  too,  is  now  awake." 

She  quickly  stepped  toward  the  vehicle  and  nodded  to  the 
little  coachman,  who  was  sleepily  rubbing  his  eyes. 

"  Here  we  are,  David,"  she  said.  "  Now  prove  yourself  a 
brave  boy  and  do  honor  to  your  father's  spirit.  Drive  boldly, 
but  take  care  not  to  meet  with  accidents,  and  make  for  Bran- 
denburg without  delay." 

"  I  promised  dad,  God  bless  him,  that  I  would  not  know 
rest  or  repose,  hunger  or  sleep,  until  we  reached  Branden- 
burg! "  cried  the  boy,  cracking  his  whip.  "  Get  in,  I  will 
drive  you  to  Brandenburg." 

"  Get  in,  Gabriel,"  said  Rebecca  to  Nietzel,  who  stood  at 
the  wagon  door,  looking  at  her  with  wistful,  melancholy 
air.  She  shook  her  head  as  a  negative  answer  to  the  dumb 
questioning  of  his  eyes,  and  only  repeated,  "  Get  in,  Gabriel!  " 

He  jumped  into  the  wagon,  but,  as  he  did  so,  leaned  for- 
ward and  stretched  out  his  hands  to  her. 

"  Forward,  David,  forward!  "  commanded  Eebecca.  David 
whipped  up  his  horses,  and  set  off  at  full  gallop. 

"  Be  quick,  David,  for  I  must  begone!  " 

David  Cohen  gave  the  little  horses  a  sharp  blow  across 
their  heads,  causing  them  to  bound  forward  in  wild  impa- 
tience. Rebecca  gazed  after  them,  breathless,  with  staring 
eyes.  When  the  vehicle  had  disappeared  from  sight  she 
pressed  both  hands  before  her  eyes,  and  a  sob  and  a  groan 
escaped  her  breast.  Soon,  however,  she  resumed  her  self- 
control. 

"  If  I  weep  I  am  lost,"  she  said,  lifting  up  her  head.  "  I 
have  a  difficult  task  to  perfoi'm,  and  tears  make  one  faint- 
hearted and  cowardly.  I  shall  not  weep,  at  least  not  now. 
When  my  work  of  expiation  is  accomplished,  when  it  has  suc- 
ceeded, then  I  shall  weep.  And  they  will  be  tears  of  joy! 
Jehovah!  x\lmighty!  stand  by  me,  that  I  may  weep  such  tears 
to-morrow  night!     And  now  to  work!  to  work!  " 

She  turned,  and  with  quiet,  firm  steps  proceeded  to  the 
city. 


286  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  TURONE. 


X. — The  White  Lady, 

DiETEiCH  had  faithfully  obeyed  the  Electoral  Prince's 
orders.  The  physician  in  ordinary,  Dr.  White,  had  come, 
felt  the  sick  man's  pulse,  and  smiled  upon  being  told  that  the 
Prince  had  been  taken  sick  at  Count  Schwarzen berg's  ban- 
quet. 

"  We  know  all  about  such  sicknesses,"  he  said,  shrugging 
his  shoulders.  "  His  highness  the  Elector  suffered  from  such 
attacks  in  earlier  days,  but  he  has  inured  himself  against  them 
now." 

"  But  his  grace  seems  to  be  really  sick,"  remarked  the 
chamberlain.  "  Only  see,  doctor,  how  pale  he  is!  Cold  sweat 
is  standing  on  his  brow,  and  he  moans  pitiably." 

"  Yes,  yes,  he  undoubtedly  has  pain,"  said  the  physician 
gravely.  "  Such  instances  occur  after  a  rich  feast,  where  they 
eat  many  things  together,  and  drink  besides.  I  shall  pre- 
scribe a  composing  draught  for  his  grace,  which  must  be  ad- 
ministered regularly  every  fifteen  minutes." 

And  the  physician  repaired  to  the  Prince's  cabinet  ad- 
joining his  sleeping  room,  to  write  his  prescription.  Cham- 
berlain von  Gotz  gazed  gloomily  upon  the  sick  man,  who  just 
at  this  moment  uttered  a  loud  scream,  and  with  outstretched 
arms  and  clinched  hands  tossed  restlessly  about.  Old  Dietrich 
bent  over  him  and  wiped  the  perspiration  from  his  fore- 
head. 

"  He  is  really  very  sick,"  murmured  the  chamberlain. 
"  There  is  nothing  for  it  but  to  stay  here.  He  must  not  be 
left  alone." 

"  No,  Herr  von  Gotz,"  said  Dietrich,  his  old  face  look- 
ing perfectly  tranquil  and  composed — "  no;  the  Prince  or- 
dered me  to  desire  you  to  return  immediately  to  the  party, 
and  not  to  tarry  longer  here.  My  yoimg  master  condescend- 
ingly owned  to  me  himself  that  it  was  actually  the  strong 
Hungarian  wine  which  had  occasioned  his  sickness,  and  there- 
fore his  highness  wishes  the  Chamberlain  von  Gotz  to  return 
forthwith  to  the  party,  that  his  gracious  mother  may  not  be 
made  uneasy,  and  imagine  that  her  son  is  seriously  sick.    The 


THE  WHITE  LADY.  287 

Electoral  Prince's  orders  are  that  you  say  to  his  mother  that 
perhaps  he  may  return  himself  to  the  entertainment  this  even- 
ing, and  that  she  must  not  allow  herself  to  be  at  all  anxious, 
for  he  will  certainly  be  well  again  to-morrow." 

"  That  is  a  fine  errand,"  exclaimed  the  chamberlain,  "  and 
the  Electress  will  be  much  comforted  by  such  a  message. 
But,  nevertheless,  I  can  not  possibly  leave  the  Electoral  Prince 
alone  for  the  whole  evening." 

"  He  is  not  alone,  for  I  am  Avith  him,"  replied  Dietrich, 
shaking  his  head.  "  I,  too,  am  a  man.  Chamberlain  von  Gotz, 
and  such  my  gracious  young  master  esteems  me,  for  he  gave 
express  orders  that  I  alone  should  stay  with  him,  and  that 
nobody  else  should  be  admitted  until  early  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. His  grace  would  sleep  soundly  he  said,  and  rest  was  the 
best  medicine  for  him." 

"  But  he  must  take  the  medicine  that  the  doctor  prescribes 
for  him,"  said  the  chamberlain  earnestly.  "  You  must  insist 
that  the  Electoral  Prince  take  his  medicine  regularly." 

"  Dismiss  all  anxiety,  Herr  von  Gotz,"  replied  Dietrich 
solemnly;  "  I  shall  see  to  it  that  the  Prince  regularly  takes 
the  medicine  he  needs." 

"Here  is  the  prescription!  "  called  out  the  doctor,  enter- 
ing the  chamber  and  holding  out  a  long  strip  of  paper. 
"  Hurry  with  it  to  the  apothecary,  for  I  fear  its  preparation 
may  occasion  some  little  delay,  since  it  is  a  nice  and  particular 
recipe,  and  consists  of  fourteen  component  parts.  But  it  will 
surely  work  a  cure  and  afford  his  highness  relief.  I  shall 
come  again  this  evening  and  see  how  my  exalted  patient  is 
getting  on." 

And  the  medical  gentleman  left  the  room,  followed  by  the 
Chamberlain  von  Gotz. 

"  You  think  then,  doctor,"  asked  the  latter  outside  in  tlie 
passage,  "  that  the  Electoral  Prince  is  not  seriously  sick?  " 

"  Have  you  ever  had  the  sickness  which  follows  too  free 
indulgence  in  wine.  Sir  Chamberlain?"  asked  the  doctor 
gravely.  "  If  so,  you  know  exactly  how  the  Electoral  Prince 
feels." 

"  Badly  enough,"  laughed  Herr  von  Gotz.  "  I  have  cer- 
tainly had  my  own  frightful  experiences  of  that  sickness. 


288  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

You  tliink  then,  doctor,  I  may  without  impropriety  return  to 
Count  Sehwarzenberg's  feast  ?  " 

"•  Without  any  impropriety  whatever,  Sir  Chamberlain. 
What  the  Prince  chiefly  needs  is  sleep  and  my  medicine.  When 
he  has  swallowed  even  a  few  spoonfuls  he  will  feel  much 
soothed  and  relieved." 

The  two  gentlemen  left  the  castle  together,  and  Dietrich 
remained  alone  with  the  Prince.  He  had  first  hastened  with 
the  long  prescription  to  the  Electoral  apothecary,  and  ordered 
that  it  should  be  left  as  soon  as  prepared  in  the  antechamber 
of  the  Prince's  rooms.  Then  he  had  fetched  a  pitcher  of  milk 
from  his  own  chamber,  and,  kindling  a  fire  in  the  Prince's 
sleeping  apartment,  warmed  the  milk.  Now  he  approached 
with  the  steaming  draught  the  couch  of  the  Prince,  who  lay 
sighing  and  moaning,  with  closed  eyes  and  tightly  compressed 
lips,  paying  no  heed  to  Dietrich's  entreaties.  Finally,  after  a 
long  pause,  he  opened  his  eyes  and  fixed  them  with  a  vacant 
expression  upon  the  weeping  and  trembling  old  man. 

"  Dietrich,  I  believe  I  am  dying,"  he  gasped.  "  But  do 
not  tell  anybody.  No  one  must  know  what  I  suffer,  else  he, 
too,  would  come  to  me,  and  I  wish  to  see  his  hated  face  no 
more." 

"Most  gracious  Prince,  I  beseech  you,  drink.  Here  is 
milk! " 

"  Give  it  to  me,  give  it  to  me,  Dietrich!  Perhaps  there  is 
yet  hope." 

He  emptied  the  cup,  and  again  sank  back.  Dietrich  knelt 
by  his  couch  and  murmured  prayers,  imploring  God  to  be 
with  the  Electoral  Prince  and  to  save  him  from  death.  Hour 
after  hour  sped  away.  Evening  drew  near,  the  shades  of  night 
closed  in,  and  still  all  was  quiet  and  noiseless  within  the 
castle  precincts.  Count  Sehwarzenberg's  feast  proceeded  un- 
disturbed. It  was  truly  a  feast  of  enchantment,  and  even  the 
Electress  was  carried  away  by  it.  Twice  had  she  dispatched 
footmen  to  inquire  after  her  son's  health,  and  each  time  old 
Dietrich  had  sent  word  that  the  Prince  had  fallen  into  a  sweet 
sleep,  and  that  the  doctor's  medicine  seemed  to  agree  with 
him  wonderfully  well.  Of  this  medicine  Dietrich  threw  aside 
a  spoonful  every  fifteen  minutes,  and  instead  of  it  gave  the 


THE  WHITE   LADY.  289 

Prince  his  own  prescription — warm  milk.  But  still  there  was 
no  alleviation  of  his  sufferings,  and  even  the  violent  vomit- 
ing, which  twice  ensued,  had  not  diminished  the  Prince's 
pain. 

In  Count  Schwarzenberg's  palace  now  resounded  strains 
of  the  most  inspiriting  dance  music,  and  from  the  banquet- 
ing hall  the  company  dispersed  into  the  two  ballrooms  and 
the  adjoining  apartments.  In  the  Electoral  garden  prepara- 
tions were  being  made  for  fireworks,  which  were  to  be  dis- 
played as  soon  as  the  night  was  sufficiently  dark.  This  was 
the  reason  why,  on  the  approach  of  twilight,  the  sight-loving 
multitude  came  streaming  hither  again  from  all  directions. 
The  Elector  had  seated  himself  at  the  card  table,  and  the 
Electress  took  a  walk  through  the  conservatory  and  the  mag- 
nificent hothouses  situated  in  the  rear  of  the  palace,  access 
to  which  was  had  through  the  great  reception  hall.  From  the 
Elector,  who  was  eagerly  interested  in  his  game.  Count 
Schwarzenberg  obtained  permission  to  accompany  the  Elec- 
tress. The  whole  company,  with  the  exception  of  the  gentle- 
men busied  in  card  playing,  followed  them.  Like  a  glittering, 
gigantic  serpent,  sparkling  in  all  the  colors  of  the  rainbow, 
wound  the  long,  unbroken  procession  through  the  hothouses. 
They  admired  the  exquisite  taste  by  which  these  long  rooms 
had  been  transformed  into  gardens  and  shrubberies;  enjoyed 
the  rare,  deliciously  scented  flowers  which  peeped  forth  here 
and  there  amid  thickets  of  m}Ttle  and  orange  tree;  amused 
themselves  with  the  birds  of  variegated  plumage,  suspended 
from  the  boughs  in  wire  cages  of  most  delicate  workmanship. 
Each  Ah!  of  delight  that  sounded  from  the  lips  of  the  Elec- 
tress found  its  repeated  echo  in  the  long  line  of  gentlemen 
and  ladies  following  her;  and  these  loud  exclamations  of  de- 
light and  rapture  were  so  many  acts  of  homage  and  flattery 
offered  at  the  shrine  of  Count  Schwarzenberg,  the  great  and 
mighty  possessor  of  all  tliose  glories. 

There  were  in  that  brilliant  assemblage  only  two  individ- 
uals who  paid  little  attention  to  the  beautiful  birds  and  flowers 
about  them,  who  did  not  chime  in  with  the  eulogies  and  con- 
versation of  the  company.  These  two  were  Princess  Charlotte 
Louise  and  Count  John  .\dolphus  Schwarzenberg.    They  fol- 


290  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

lowed  immediately  behind  the  Electress.  The  young  count 
had  ofPered  the  Princess  his  arm,  wliich  with  a  slight  blush 
she  had  accepted.  The  Electress,  who  preceded  them,  was 
wholly  absorbed  in  conversation  with  Count  Adam  Schwarzen- 
berg,  who  by  his  witty,  fascinating  powers  of  address  suc- 
ceeded in  enchaining  her  attention.  The  Princess  Sophie 
Hedwig  came  behind  her  sister  with  two  ladies  of  the  court, 
chatting  and  laughing,  looking  hither  and  thither  at  birds 
and  flowers,  and,  by  her  frequent  pauses  of  admiration  before 
some  rare  plant  or  chatting  parrot,  more  than  once  detaining 
the  whole  company,  so  that  there  was  an  empty  space  between 
the  first  two  couples  and  those  following. 

"  I  could  fall  at  the  feet  of  the  Princess  and  kiss  her  hands 
in  fervent  gratitude,''  whispered  Count  Adolphus,  when  again 
the  procession  tarried  behind  them. 

"Why  so?"  asked  Charlotte  Louise,  smiling.  "What 
has  my  sister  done  to  merit  such  gratitude  ?  " 

"  What  ?  Why,  she  has  granted  me  a  blessed  moment,  in 
which  I  can  tell  you  that  I  love  you,  boundlessly  love  you. 
Ah!  why  can  I  not  speak  this  word  aloud,  that  like  a  flash 
of  lightning  it  may  flame  through  this  hall?  That  would 
be  a  fire  which  should  unfold  all  blossoms  and  ripen  all  fruits. 
I  love  you,  Charlotte  Louise!  I  could  kneel  down  here  and 
repeat  in  strains  of  perpetual  adoration  to  you,  my  mistress, 
my  goddess,  I  love  you,  I  am  yours;  but,  alas!  you " 

"  Well,"  asked  she  with  a  beaming  glance — "  well,  why 
do  you  not  complete  your  sentence?" 

"  You  are  not  mine,"  sighed  he.  "  Were  you  so,  then  you 
would  not  answer  the  words  which  gush  forth  hot  and  ardent 
from  my  heart  in  such  strange,  cold  fashion;  then  would  you 
listen  to  my  supplications,  and  grant  me  a  moment's  inter- 
view." 

"  Did  I  not  tell  you,  Adolphus,"  whispered  she,  "  that  you 
were  to  meet  old  Trude  on  the  castle  square  to-morrow  morn- 
ing early?    She  will  be  the  bearer  of  a  message  for  you." 

"You  said  so;  but  I  tell  you,  if  you  loved  me  you  would 
not  need  time  for  reflection,  but  even  yesterday,  as  soon  as 
you  heard  of  my  arrival,  your  heart  would  have  suggested 
the  importance  of  our  meeting  in  private,  and  devised  some 


THE  WHITE   LADY.  291 

scheme  whereby  this  might  be  accompUshed  without  making 
use  of  old  Trude's  intervention  so  late  as  to-morrow  morning." 

Princess  Charlotte  Louise  laughed  and  blushed  at  the 
same  time.  "  Perhaps  I  am  not  so  cold  and  indifferent  as 
you  think.  Count  Adolpluis  Schwarzenberg,"  she  said,  with 
a  charming  expression  of  bashfulness  and  coquetry.  "  Per- 
haps I  had  already  reflected  that  a  conference  would  be  de- 
sirable, were  it  only  for  the  purpose  of  scolding  you  for  your 
impulsive  manners.  Perhaps,  too,  I  already  know  a  place 
where  we  can  see  each  other  without  old  Trude's  help." 

"  If  you  speak  earnestly,  then  am  I  the  happiest  of  men. 
But  I  can  not  believe  you,  can  not  believe  that  my  proud, 
cold-hearted  Princess  actually " 

"  Can  not  believe  me!  "  interrupted  she,  smiling;  "  then, 
unbeliever,  I  shall  convince  vou.  Attend  closely  to  all  that 
I  do." 

She  dropped  his  arm,  and  pausing  before  a  rare  Manilla 
flower,  praised  its  beauty  and  perfume.  While  doing  so,  her 
little  hand,  accidentally  of  course,  disappeared  in  the  pocket 
of  her  ample  skirt,  and  when  she  drew  it  forth  again  this 
hand  was  fast  closed.  She  waited  until  her  sister  came  up 
with  the  court  ladies,  and  drew  her  attention  to  the  beautiful 
flower  and  the  aviary  of  charming  birds  in  the  rear.  She  then 
walked  forward,  in  the  blissful  consciousness  that  a  long  time 
would  supervene  ere  the  Princess  could  tear  herself  away  from 
the  flower  and  birds,  and  that  she  might  now  speak  to  her 
lover  secure  from  being  overheard,  since  a  wide  space  also 
separated  them  from  the  pair  in  front. 

"  What  have  you  there  in  your  hand,  Louise?  "  asked  the 
count,  in  breathless  suspense. 

"  A  little  note  to  Count  Adolphus  von  Schwarzenberg," 
replied  she,  smiling,  and  with  swift  movement  she  pressed 
the  little  twisted  paper  into  his  hand.  His  countenance  lighted 
up  with  rapture,  and  he  made  a  movement  as  if  he  would  kneel 
before  her,  but  the  Princess  restrained  him. 

"  For  Heaven's  sake,  Adolphus,  consider  that  we  are  not 
alone,"  she  whispered  hurriedly. 

"  I  am  alone  with  you,  and  if  millions  encircled  us  still 
should  I  be  alone  with  you  in  paradise.    To  me  you  are  the 


292  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

first,  tho  only  woman  npon  earth.  I  look  upon  yon  with  the 
rapture  which  Adam  felt  when  he  first  perceived  at  his  side 
his  God-sent,  heavenly  wife.  You  have  led  me  back  to  a 
paradise  of  innocence  and  peace,  have  changed  me  into  an 
Adam  who  the  first  time  sees  and  loves  a  woman.  Oh,  my 
beloved,  you  have  made  me  blessed  indeed!  This  little  strip 
of  paper  that  you  pressed  into  my  hand,  as  if  by  an  enchanter's 
spell,  has  penetrated  my  whole  being  with  heavenly  fire.  I 
must  see  it,  I  must  with  my  own  eyes,  with  my  own  heart,  read 
the  words  which  you  have  indited  to  me." 

"  I  will  repeat  to  you  the  contents  of  the  note,"  said  she, 
smiling.  "  Here  they  are:  '  On  Tuesday  evening  at  ten  o'clock 
the  little  side  door  next  the  cathedral  will  not  be  locked,  only 
closed.  Through  this  enter  a  vestibule,  to  the  right  of  which 
stands  a  door.  Open  this  and  mount  the  flight  of  stairs  be- 
yond. Arrived  at  the  top,  go  down  the  little  passage  to  the 
left  until  you  reach  a  door  at  the  end.    It  will  be  open.'  " 

"Tuesday  evening?"  whispered  he,  with  enraptured 
looks;  "and " 

Three  loud  cannon  shots  drowned  his  words.  They  an- 
nounced the  opening  of  the  exhibition  of  fireworks,  and  Prin- 
cess Sophie  Hedwig  now  came  rapidly  forward,  followed  by 
the  whole  assembly,  all  pressing  eagerly  toward  the  great  hall, 
whose  windows  commanded  a  view  of  the  fireworks.  The 
rockets  fiew,  and  artificial  suns  wheeled  and  turned  in  fiery 
circles.  Even  the  Elector  forsook  his  card  playing,  and,  sup- 
ported by  Count  Schwarzenberg,  walked  to  the  window  to 
behold  the  costly  spectacle.  Without,  the  densely  packed 
throng  of  men  shouted  aloud  with  delight  at  each  new  star 
which  shot  upward. 

The  Electoral  Prince  Frederick  William  still  lay  within 
his  solitary  chamber,  moaning  and  sighing  upon  his  couch. 
Eegularly  every  quarter  of  an  hour  Dietrich  had  thrown  away 
a  spoonful  of  medicine,  and  given  the  Prince  a  spoonful  of 
warm  milk.  But  his  pains  had  not  been  diminished  thereby, 
though  the  Electoral  Prince  was  evidently  himself,  and  clearly 
conscious  of  his  situation.  Several  times  he  had  addressed 
a  few  affectionate  words  to  Dietrich,  seeking  to  comfort  the 
faithful  old  man,  who  in  his  agony  of  mind  wept  and  prayed. 


THE  WHITE  LADY.  293 

and  then  tenderly  pressed  his  beloved  master's  hand  to  his 
lips,  and  besought  him  to  get  well  and  live. 

"  If  it  depends  on  me,  Dietrich,"  said  the  Electoral  Prince 
slowly,  moistening  his  parched  lips  with  his  tongue — "  if  it 
depends  on  me,  I  surely  shall  not  die.  Life  is  still  dear  to 
me,  although  it  has  brought  me  much  of  bitterness  and  grief. 
On  that  very  account,  though,  I  hope  that  the  future  will  in- 
demnify me.  It  is  a  sorrowful  thought  to  me  to  die  and  sink 
into  the  grave  so  young,  so  unknown.  Could  I  prevent  it,  I 
surely  should.  But  this  hellish  fire  in  my  veins  burns  on  and 
on,  and  is  consuming  my  Hfe.  Give  me  something  to  drink; 
milk  at  least  lessens  my  pangs  in  some  degree." 

Thus  passed  hour  after  hour,  and  midnight  drew  near. 
Count  Schwarzenberg's  festival  was  not  yet  over,  the  Electoral 
family  had  not  yet  returned,  and  silence  unbroken  reigned 
throughout  the  castle.  With  slow,  measured  tread  went  the 
sentinels  to  and  fro  before  the  palace  and  through  the  inner 
corridors.  At  times  the  loud  shouts  of  the  populace  pene- 
trated in  faint  echoes  even  to  the  castle,  and  flew  like  spirit 
whispers  through  the  broad  vestibule  fronting  the  Electoral 
Prince's  suite  of  rooms.  The  soldier  on  guard  there  heard 
them  with  a  shudder,  and  all  the  stories  of  ghosts  and  specters 
told  about  the  Electoral  palace  awoke  to  his  remembrance. 
He  cast  a  disturbed  glance  around,  and,  holding  his  breath, 
listened  with  loudly  beating  heart  to  the  soft  sounds  and  mur- 
murs vibrating  through  the  hall.  Suddenly  he  quite  distinctly 
seemed  to  hear  soft,  gliding  steps  approaching  him  from  the 
other  side  of  the  vestibule.  His  blood  stood  still  witli  horror, 
he  stared  into  the  dusky  hall.  The  little  oil  lamps  which  hung 
on  both  sides  of  the  door  leading  into  the  Electoral  Prince's 
apartments  shed  abroad  only  a  glimmering,  uncertain  light, 
and  left  the  background  enveloped  in  gloom  and  obscurity. 

All  at  once  the  soldier  started:  he  thought  he  saw  a  white 
figure  emerge  from  the  darkness.  Yes — his  eyes  saw  her,  his 
ears  heard  her  steps! 

Yes,  it  was  no  illusion!  Ever  nearer,  ever  larger  loomed 
the  white  figure.  It  was  wholly  enveloped  in  a  veil  and  robe 
of  white,  and  only  two  large,  sparkling  black  eyes  looked  forth 
from  the  veil.    The  soldier  fell  upon  his  knees,  dropped  his 


294  THE  HEIR  TO  THE   THRONE. 

weapon,  and,  folding  his  hands,  muttered  with  chattering 
teeth:  "The  White  Lady!  God  Ahnighty  be  gracious  to  us! 
The  White  Lady!  " 

He  dared  not  look  up;  he  only  murmured  in  anguish  of 
spirit  the  prayers  by  which  spirits  were  exorcised;  but  he  felt 
that  the  dreaded  phantom  came  ever  nearer  and  nearer — that 
he  could  not  exorcise  the  Lady  in  White!  Now  she  was  close 
to  him,  her  wliite  garment  grazed  his  bowed  head,  and  the 
soldier  shuddered  and  shrank  within  himself.  It  was  as  if 
he  heard  a  door  creak  and  turn  softly  on  its  hinges,  then  all 
was  still. 

The  soldier  ventured  to  lift  up  his  head  a  little — the  hall 
was  empty,  the  Lady  in  White  had  vanished!  But  she  had 
been  there;  he  had  distinctly  seen  her;  she  had  entered  the 
Electoral  Prince's  apartments;  the  soldier  had  plainly  heard 
that! 

Now  an  inexpressible  horror,  that  was  stronger  than  all 
discipline  and  sense  of  duty,  seized  him.  He  rushed  out  of  the 
hall,  tore  open  the  door  opening  upon  the  broad  corridor,  on 
both  sides  of  which  lay  the  apartments  of  their  Electoral  High- 
nesses. With  a  loud  scream  he  called  out  to  the  sentinel  on 
guard  there:  "The  White  Lady!  the  White  Lady!  " 

This  one,  too,  shrieked  as  loudly  as  if  the  apparition  itself 
stood  before  him-rthe  Lady  in  White,  known  and  dreaded 
of  all!  And  both  soldiers,  panicstricken,  ran  down  the  corri- 
dor to  tell  the  news  to  the  other  sentinels,  and  throw  them 
all  into  the  same  state  of  dread  and  consternation. 

The  Electoral  Prince  Frederick  William  lay  upon  his  bed 
with  open  eyes.  For  the  past  half  hour  the  pains  which  raged 
within  had  somewhat  slackened  in  intensity,  and  allowed  him 
more  repose.  This  season  of  repose  had  overcome  old  Die- 
trich, and,  like  the  disciples  on  Mount  Olivet,  he  had  fallen 
"  asleep  for  sorrow."  The  Prince  was  awake  and  foimd  him- 
self in  that  overwrought  condition  in  which  the  high-strung, 
quivering  nerves  lend  wonderful  clearness  and  acuteness  to 
the  spirit,  and  in  which  the  soul  with  wide-seeing  vision  takes 
in  the  whole  past,  the  whole  future.  He  saw  his  past  rise 
up  before  him,  with  all  its  struggles,  its  privations,  its  inex- 
pressible joys  and  their  painful  renunciation.     And  then, 


THE  WHITE  LADY.  295 

across  all  these  sufferings,  and  the  pain  of  the  present,  he 
looked  into  the  future,  whose  shining  ideal  stood  before  him 
in  vivid  clearness,  beckoning  and  calling  to  him.  He  saw 
fame,  he  saw  honor;  he  heard  the  din  of  battle,  he  saw  a  wild 
chaos,  and  from  this  chaos  emerged  a  something,  a  tangible 
shape;  it  grew  large,  it  assumed  form  and  substance,  it  was  a 
country — his  country — that  he  himself  had  created,  drawn 
forth  from  chaos.  And  now  he  saw  a  happy,  contented  people, 
saw  glad  multitudes  throng  about  him  and  shout:  "  Long  live 
our  Electoral  Prince,  Frederick  William!  Long  live  our  de- 
liverer, our  father!  "  That  ideal,  which  had  lain  so  long  in 
the  secret  depths  of  his  soul,  in  fact  ever  since  he  had  known 
thought;  that  ideal  to  which  he  had  already  dedicated  him- 
self, when  he  had  stood  as  a  boy  by  the  corpse  of  his  great- 
uncle  Gustavus  Adolphus;  that  ideal  was  now  truth  and  real- 
ity before  his  inward  vision.  He  was  a  Prince  wreathed  in 
glor}-;  he  was  beloved  by  his  strong  and  happy  subjects! 

"  I  can  not  die,"  he  exclaimed,  in  a  loud,  strong  voice;  "  I 
need  not  die!  " 

"  Xo,  you  need  not  die,"  said  a  sonorous  voice;  and  a 
white  form  hovered  near,  and  two  great,  black  eyes  glowed 
upon  him.  Frederick  William  tried  to  rise,  but  could  not,  for 
his  limbs  were  paralyzed,  and  he  felt  as  if  chained  to  his 
couch  by  iron  fetters. 

"Who  are  you?"  he  asked  softly.  "What  do  you  want 
here?  They  say  that  he  to  whom  you  appear  is  doomed  to 
death,  and  yet  you  come  to  tell  me  that  I  need  not  die?  " 

"We  are  all  doomed  to  die,"  replied  the  white  figure; 
"  but  the  hour  of  your  death  has  not  come  yet.  I  am  not 
come  merely  to  tell  you  so,  but  to  save  you." 

"  To  save  me?    You  know,  then,  that  I  am  in  danger?  " 

"  Yes!  In  danger  of  your  life!  Count  Schwarzenberg 
has  poisoned  you.  Are  you  not  consumed  by  inward  fires?  Is 
not  your  head  heavy  and  giddy?  " 

"I  see  plainly  that  you  know  what  I  suffer — you  know 
the  poison  which  was  given  me." 

'"  I  know  the  poison,  but  I  also  know  its  cure.  I  know  its 
antidote,  and   have  brought  it  to  you.    I  would  save  you." 

"  You  would  save  me?  "  asked  the  Electoral  Prince.    "  Am 


296  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

I  not  (h'ing  fast  enough  for  you?  Have  I  not  yet  swallowed 
enough  of  the  deadly  fluid  that  you  would  give  me  more  as  a 
remedy?  The  invention  is  somewhat  flimsy!  I  shall  not 
drink!  " 

"  Unhappy  Prince,  you  would  not  live,  then?  "  asked  she, 
in  distress.  "  Hear  me,  Frederick  William.  If  you  delay,  you 
are  lost  heyond  all  hope  of  cure.  ISTohody  knows  the  remedy 
for  your  sufferings  hut  myself,  and  nobody  can  save  you  if  I 
do  not!  Oh,  think  not  that  I  would  merit  your  thanks  and 
rewards!  I  have  come  hither  at  the  peril  of  my  own  life,  and 
each  minute  increases  my  own  danger  as  well  as  yours.  The 
soldiers  have  fled  before  my  apparition.  If  a  braver  one  should 
come  to  look  closer  at  the  White  Lady,  I  am  lost,  and  you 
with  me,  for  then  I  could  not  administer  to  you  the  anti- 
dote." 

"  Tell  me  who  you  are,  that  I  may  see  whether  I  may 
trust  you." 

"  Who  am  I  ?  "  asked  she.  "  I  am  a  poor,  mortal  woman, 
who  possesses  nothing  upon  earth  but  a  heart,  which  loves 
nothing  but  a  poor,  much-to-be-pitied  man,  whom  not  his 
own  will  but  destiny  has  made  a  criminal.  His  child  and  I 
were  threatened  with  death,  and  to  save  us  he  committed  a 
crime.  Electoral  Prince,  Count  Schwarzenberg  has  poisoned 
you  by  means  of  Gabriel  Nietzel.  I  come  to  save  you.  Not 
for  your  own  sake.  What  are  you  to  me? — why  should  I  dis- 
turb myself  about  you?  I  love  Gabriel  Nietzel,  and  I  would 
not  have  his  soul  burdened  by  a  crime  that  would  break  his 
heart.  My  Gabriel  has  a  tender  heart;  he  was  not  made  to 
be  a  criminal.  Therefore  would  I  absolve  him  from  that 
curse,  for  I  love  Gabriel,  and  would  not  have  him  be  a  mur- 
derer.    Do  you  believe  me  now?    Will  you  try  my  palliative 


now 


9  " 


The  Electoral  Prince  lay  there  silent  and  motionless,  and 
his  large,  wide-open  eyes  gazed  searchingly  and  inquiringly 
up  at  the  white  figure,  as  if  they  would  penetrate  the  veil 
and  read  her  features. 

Rebecca  had  a  consciousness  of  this,  and  let  the  white  veil 
fall  from  her  head.  "  Look  in  my  face,"  she  said,  "  and  read 
from  that  whether  I  speak  the  truth." 


THE   WHITE  LADY.  297 

"  Gabriel  Nietzel,  too,  came  to  warn  me,"  murmured  the 
Prince,  quivering  with  pain,  "  and  afterward  it  was  he  who 
poisoned  me.  From  him  come  these  fearful  tortures  which 
are  burning  now  like  the  flames  of  hell." 

"  Gracious  sir,  oh,  my  dear  sir!  "  cried  Dietrich  now,  com- 
ing up  to  the  bed  and  kneeling  beside  it,  "  I  beseech  you,  take 
nothing  from  her.  I  have  heard  all,  and  I  tell  you  it  is 
Schwarzenberg  who  sends  this  Jewess  to  you.  Trust  her  not, 
my  beloved  Prince,  take  none  of  her  hellish  mixtures  I " 

"  Trust  me,"  said  Eebecca  quietly.  "  If  life  is  dear  to 
you,  if  you  hope  in  the  future,  if  you  would  take  vengeance 
upon  the  man  who  is  your  real  murderer,  whose  mere  tool  my 
poor  husband  was,  then  accept  the  remedy  which  I  bring 
you! " 

"  Yes,"  cried  the  Electoral  Prince,  with  countenance  light- 
ing up,  "yes,  I  will  take  it!  Give  me  your  remedy.  Hush, 
Dietrich,  hush!    I  will  take  it!  " 

"  Praised  be  Jehovah!  he  will  take  it!  "  said  she  joyfully, 
drawing  forth  from  her  bosom  a  little  flask.  "  Before  I  give 
you  the  medicine,  I  have  something  to  say  to  you,  Frederick 
'William.  As  soon  as  you  have  taken  it,  you  will  fall  into  a 
deep  sleep,  almost  resembling  death.  If  you  are  disturbed 
in  this,  the  efficacy  of  my  cordial  will  be  destroyed." 

"  Dietrich,"  said  the  Prince  composedly,  "  you  will  take 
care  that  no  one  disturbs  my  slumbers.  I  command  you  so 
to  do! " 

"  I  shall  obey,  most  gracious  sir,"  murmured  Dietrich. 

"When  you  awake  after  six  hours,"  continued  Piebecca, 
"  you  will  experience  a  feeling  of  ineffable  comfort.  Be  not 
deluded  by  this,  and  attempt  to  leave  your  couch.  Piest  is 
necessary  for  you,  and  you  are  then  only  on  the  road  to  health. 
That  you  may  be  perfectly  cured  I  must  come  again  to-mor- 
row night,  and  once  more  administer  the  cordial.  Mind  that 
to-morrow  night,  as  at  present,  you  be  alone.  ISTo  one  must 
be  with  you  but  old  Dietrich.  He  is  a  trusty,  affectionate 
servant,  and  I  hope  to  God  will  tell  no  one  what  he  has  seen 
and  heard  here,  for  I  would  be  lost  if  he  should  do  so." 

"  I  swear,  in  the  presence  of  Almighty  God,  that  I  will 
keep  silence,"  said  Dietrich  solemnly. 


298  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

*'  And  now,  euougli  of  words!  "  cried  she.  "  See,  Die- 
trich, the  pains  begin  anew,  and  his  features  twitch  convul- 
sively.   We  must  procure  him  relief." 

She  took  a  glass  from  the  table  and  emptied  into  it  half 
of  the  brown  liquid  contained  in  her  little  flask.  Then  she 
bent  over  the  Prince  and  held  the  glass  to  his  lips. 

"Drink  this,"  she  said,  with  solemnity,  "and  may  the 
Lord  our  God  bless  the  potion  to  you!  " 

The  Prince  drank  in  long  draughts,  emptying  the  glass 
to  the  last  drop.  Then  he  uttered  one  shriek,  and  sank  back 
senseless  on  the  pillow. 

"  If  you  have  murdered  him,"  cried  Dietrich,  shaking  his 
fist  with  menacing  gesture — "  if  you  have  murdered  him,  be 
sure  that  I  shall  find  you  out  and  hand  you  over  to  the  hang- 
man." 

She  slowly  turned  and  once  more  drew  the  long  white  veil 
over  her  face.  "  To-morrow  night  I  shall  come  again,"  she 
said.  "  Attend  well  to  him,  Dietrich,  and  see  that  he  swal- 
lows nothing  but  what  you  give  him  yourself." 

Then  she  opened  the  door  and  stepped  out.  The  corridor 
was  still  empty  and  tenantless;  the  sentinels  had  not  yet  ven- 
tured to  return  to  their  posts.  They  had  all  collected  below 
in  the  guardroom,  which  was  situated  in  the  rear  of  the  castle 
toward  the  Spree,  and,  pale  with  agitation  and  horror,  were 
talking  in  whispers  of  the  awful  event.  All  at  once  it  seemed 
to  them  as  if  a  wdiite  shadow  glided  past  outside  the  windows, 
as  if  two  great,  sparkling  eyes  looked  in  upon  them.  They 
jumped  up,  rushed  out  of  the  room,  and  out  of  the  castle, 
shrieking  out  to  the  town,  "The  White  Lady!  the  White 
Lady!  " 

A  couple  of  inquisitive  men  coming  from  Schwarzen- 
berg's  palace  heard  the  shriek  of  terror  and  screamed  it  to 
others,  and  like  a  tempest  of  wind  it  rolled  on,  dragged  every- 
thing into  its  eddying  circle  of  awe  and  fright,  rushed  howl- 
ing through  the  night  and  penetrated  into  the  brilliantly 
lighted  palace  of  Count  Schwarzenberg,  even  into  the  ball- 
room, where  the  tired  couples  were  whirling  in  the  last  dance. 
"The  White  Lady!  the  White  Lady  has  appeared  in  the 
castle! " 


THE  WHITE  LADY.  299 

The  words  ran  through  the  halls.  The  dancing  ceased, 
and  the  music  paused  in  the  midst  of  a  piece  begun,  for  the 
Elector  himself  had  risen  from  his  game  of  cards,  and  the 
Electress  had  called  the  Princesses  from  among  the  dancers. 

"  The  White  Lady  has  been  seen  in  the  castle!  " 

These  fearful  words,  brought  to  him  by  his  wife,  frightened 
the  Elector  out  of  his  comfortable  mood,  and  dissipated  the 
cheering  effects  of  the  wine.  The  White  Lady  threatened 
him  with  death!  The  thought  filled  his  whole  soul,  and  made 
him  all  at  once  sober  and  serious. 

"  The  I^ady  in  White  has  appeared  in  the  castle,"  sighed 
the  Electress,  "  and  my  son  Frederick  William  is  sick.  I  must 
go  to  him — I  must  go  to  my  son!  " 

The  equipage  rolled  off  to  the  castle.  The  Elector  leaned 
back  gloomily  in  the  corner,  thinking  to  himself:  "  If  I  only 
knew  whether  she  wore  white  or  black  gloves!  Perhaps  she 
only  means  to  warn  me,  perhaps  there  is  yet  time  to  escape 
the  mischief!  The  air  of  Berlin  is  very  bad,  and  I  vex  myself 
too  much  here.  As  we  drove  up  to  the  castle  when  we  came 
from  Konigsberg,  one  of  our  carriage  horses  stumbled  and 
fell.  That  was  an  ill  omen,  and  we  should  have  heeded 
it  and  turned  about  immediately.  Perhaps  there  may  yet  be 
time  to  flee  from  the  threatened  evil,  if  we  go  back  to  Konigs- 
berg! If  I  only  knew  what  kind  of  gloves  the  White  Lady 
wore!  " 

"  Just  tell  me  what  sort  of  a  tale  this  is  about  the  White 
Lady?"  asked  Count  Schwarzenberg  of  his  Chamberlain  von 
Lehndorf,  after  his  guests  had  taken  their  leave. 

"  Your  excellency,  one  of  the  sentinels  on  duty  at  the 
castle  to-day  came  rushing  into  the  palace,  and  shrieked  out 
wildly  and  madly:  '  The  White  Lady!  I  have  seen  the  White 
Lady!  I  must  speak  to  the  Elector!  I  have  seen  the  White 
Lady! '  I  assure  your  excellency,  it  was  actually  terrific  to 
witness  the  poor  man's  fright.  He  was  pale  as  death,  with 
tottering  knees  and  trembling  in  every  limb.  I  myself  felt  a 
cold  shudder  creep  over  me,  although  usually  I  am  neither 
timid  nor  superstitious.  r)ut  it  is  such  a  singular  coincidence, 
that  the  White  Lady  should  appear  on  the  very  day  when  the 
Electoral  Prince  was  taken  so  suddenly  ill." 
20 


300  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

'''  Yes,  it  is  a  singular  coincidence,"  said  Schwarzenberg, 
shrugging  his  shoulders,  "  and  I  should  like  to  know  the  con- 
necting link.  Well,  I  hope  to  fathom  the  mystery,  and  then 
the  ghost  story  will  resolve  itself  into  a  ridiculous  reality. 
Early  to-moiTow  morning  I  shall  have  all  the  soldiers  called 
up,  who  were  on  duty  at  the  castle  to-night,  and  question 
them  myself.  The  castellan's  wife,  too,  must  be  summoned. 
She  is  an  honest  woman  of  bold  and  sober  wits,  and  from  her 
I  shall  be  best  able  to  learn  what  is  the  meaning  of  this 
masquerade.  Good-night,  Lehndorf,  sleep  off  your  fright, 
you  sentimental  man,  over  whom  a  childish  shudder  still 
creeps,  whenever  he  hears  a  nursery  maid's  tale!  I  really  envy 
you  your  implicit  faith,  you  credulous  man!  One  thing 
more,  though:  what  news  have  we  from  the  Electoral 
Prince?" 

"  Most  gracious  sir,  according  to  the  latest  accounts,  the 
Electoral  Prince  was  enjoying  a  little  rest,  having  fallen  into 
a  profound  sleep." 

"  Very  fine!  "  said  the  count,  entering  his  cabinet.  "  Good- 
night, Lehndorf! " 


XI. — The  Puestjit. 

The  next  morning  Count  Schwarzenberg  interrogated  all 
the  sentinels  who  had  been  on  giiard  at  the  castle  on  the  pre- 
ceding night.  They  unanimously  affirmed  that  they  had  been 
awake  and  watchful  when  they  had  seen  the  White  Lady. 
The  sentinel  before  the  Electoral  Prince's  apartments  had 
seen  her  enter  those  rooms,  even  distinctly  heard  the  door 
creak  as  it  closed  behind  her.  Collectively  the  sentinels  as- 
severated that  afterward  they  had  seen  the  White  Lady  pass 
before  the  guardhouse  windows,  and  that  she  had  even  looked 
in  upon  them  with  her  great  black  eyes.  Even  to-day  they 
shuddered  and  trembled  at  the  bare  remembrance  of  the 
frightful  apparition,  and  swore  that  they  would  rather  die 
than  see  that  horrible  woman  again.    Then,  when  the  soldiers 


THE  PURSUIT.  301 

had  withdrawn,  came  the  castellan's  wife,  who  had  heen  sum- 
moned by  Chamberlain  von  Lehndorf. 

"  And  what  say  you  to  the  goblin  of  last  night?  "  asked 
Count  Schwarzenberg,  noticing  the  castellan's  wife  with  a 
condescending  nod. 

"  Most  noble  sir,"  replied  the  old  woman  solemnly,  "  I 
say  that  a  member  of  the  Electoral  family  will  die." 

"What?  you,  the  prudent,  wise,  intelligent  Mrs.  Culwin 
— you,  too,  believe  this  ridiculous  story?" 

"  Most  revered  sir,  I  believe  in  it  because  I  know  the 
White  Lady,  and  have  seen  her  often  before." 

"  Oh,  indeed,"  smiled  the  count;  "  you  count  the  White 
Lady  among  your  acquaintances;  you  have  seen  her  often 
before?  Just  tell  me  a  little  about  her,  my  dear  dame!  When 
did  you  first  see  the  specter?  " 

"  Almost  twenty  years  ago,  if  it  please  your  honor.  I  had 
Just  been  a  year  in  Berlin.  Your  honor  knows  I  came  here 
from  Venice  in  the  capacity  of  maid  to  your  lady  of  blessed 
memory,  and  had  committed  the  folly  of  giving  up  the  count- 
ess's  good  service  in  order  to  marry  Culwin,  the  young  cas- 
tellan." 

"  And  why  do  you  call  that  a  folly? "  asked  Count 
Schwarzenberg,  laughing.  "  I  have  always  believed  that  you 
lived  in  happy  wedlock  with  your  good  man." 

"  That  may  be  so,  your  excellency,  but  for  all  that,  a  lady's 
maid,  who  can  live  independently  always  commits  a  folly  in 
submitting  to  a  husband's  rule.  And  I  could  support  myself, 
for  your  excellency  paid  me  such  a  handsome  salary,  and  I  was 
in  such  favor  with  your  blessed  lady.  Often,  before  I  stupidly 
left  her  to  get  married,  she  would  call  me,  and  we  would  talk 
together  of  our  beautiful  home,  our  beloved  Venice.  Ah! 
your  excellency,  we  have  often  wept  together,  and  longed 
ardently  to  behold  once  more  the  city  of  the  sea.  Whoever 
comes  from  there  never  recovers  from  homesickness,  and 
wherever  he  goes,  and  however  far  he  may  be  removed,  his 
heart  still  clings  to  Venice.  That  the  gracious  countess  often 
remarked  to  me,  weeping  bittcrlv,  which  did  her  good, 
and " 

"  You  were  to  tell  me  when  you  first  saw  the  White  Lady," 


302  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

internipted  Count  Schwarzenberg,  for  he  felt  uncomfortable 
at  beino-  reminded  of  his  wife,  knowing  as  he  did  that  she  had 
spent  but  few  happy  days  at  his  side. 

"  That  is  true,  and  I  beg  your  excellency's  pardon,"  re- 
plied Mrs.  Culwin.  "  Well,  then,  I  saw  the  White  Lady  for 
the  first  time  in  the  year  1619.  I  had  sat  up  late  at  night,  for 
it  was  a  few  days  before  the  Christmas  festival,  and,  in  ac- 
cordance with  Germ.an  customs,  I  wished  to  make  a  Christmas 
present  for  my  husband,  but  had  not  finished  the  piece  of  em- 
broidery I  destined  for  that  purpose.  As  I  sat  thus  and  sewed, 
I  felt  as  it  were  a  cold  breath  of  air  on  my  cheek,  as  if  some  one 
rapidly  moved  past  me.  I  looked  up  startled,  and  there  stood 
before  me  a  tall,  womanly  figure,  clad  in  white,  looking  at  me 
from  under  her  veil  with  dark,  flashing  eyes;  and  then  she  strode 
toward  the  door,  but  ere  she  went  out  she  lifted  her  arms  to- 
ward heaven,  and  folded  her  hands,  which  were  covered  with 
black  gloves,  fervently  together.  So  she  stood  for  awhile, 
and  then  vanished  without  my  seeing  the  door  open  or  shut. 
So  long  as  the  specter  was  there  I  had  sat  stifi:  and  motion- 
less, as  if  rooted  to  the  spot;  my  heart  seemed  to  stand  still; 
I  tried  to  scream,  but  could  not.  When  she  was  gone,  though, 
I  shrieked  fearfully,  and  my  husband  hastened  to  me,  to  find 
me  in  convulsions,  and  for  hours  I  screamed  and  wept.  My 
husband,  indeed,  tried  to  talk  me  out  of  it,  and  made  me 
promise  to  speak  of  the  occurrence  to  no  one.  But  my  silence 
was  of  no  consequence,  for  the  next  day  it  was  known  to  all 
the  inmates  of  the  palace  that  the  White  Lady  had  appeared, 
for  very  many  had  seen  her.  The  old  Elector  John  Sigis- 
mund  had  such  a  dread  of  the  White  Lady,  and  feared  so  much 
that  she  would  appear  to  him,  that  he  left  the  castle  that  very 
day,  and  went  to  the  residence  of  his  Chamberlain  Freitag. 
There,  however,  he  died  in  the  course  of  two  days,  just  two 
days  before  Christmas.*  The  White  Lady  was  therefore  right, 
with  her  deep  mourning  and  black  gloves. f     It  was  not  the 

*  Historical.  Vide  Archives  of  Historical  Science  in  Prussia.  Edited 
by  Leopold  von  Ledebnr.  vol.  iv.  p.  97. 

f  They  still  made  use  of  white  as  mourning  in  those  days,  and  in  half 
mourning  wore  black  gloves.  Therefore  the  White  Lady  appeared  alto- 
gether in  white  when  the  death  of  the  reigning  sovereign  or  his  wife  was 


THE  PURSUIT.  303 

head  of  the  family  who  died,  for  tlie  old  Elector  had  abdi- 
cated, and  Elector  George  William  was  eren  then  reigning 
Sovereign." 

"  Truly,  that  sounds  quite  awful,"  cried  Count  Schwarzen- 
berg;  "  and  since  you  saw  the  apparition  with  your  own  eyes, 
I  can  not  dispute  it.  You  said,  though,  I  think,  that  you  had 
often  seen  it  ?  " 

"  Twice  more,  gracious  sir.  The  second  time  was  in  the 
year  1625.  There  again,  one  night,  in  the  center  of  my  room 
stood  the  White  Lady,  and  again  hfted  up  her  arms  toward 
heaven  before  departing,  and  again  she  wore  black  gloves. 
And  the  next  day  died  the  brother  of  our  Elector,  the  Mar- 
grave Joachim  Sigismund."  * 

"And  the  third  time?" 

"  For  the  third  time  I  saw  the  White  Lady  ten  years  ago, 
therefore  in  1628.  This  time  she  also  wore  black  gloves,  and 
a  black  veil  besides.  She  again  strode  through  my  room,  but 
neither  wept  nor  wrung  her  hands.  She  had  also  appeared 
to  the  Elector  himself,  and  addressed  a  few  Latin  words  to 
him,  which  in  German  my  husband  said  ran  thus:  "^Justice 
comes  to  the  living  and  the  dead.'  "  f 

"  I  remember  this  last  story  very  well  myself,"  said  Count 
Schwarzenberg,  with  a  peculiar  smile.  "  His  Electoral  Grace 
was  very  much  shocked  by  the  apparition,  and  its  appearance 
was  supposed  to  announce  years  of  terrible  war,  for  no  one 
in  the  Electoral  family  died.  Now  tell  me,  Mrs.  Culwin,  at 
what  time  did  the  White  Lady  appear  yesterday,  and  how 
was  she  dressed  ?  " 

"  Your  excellency,  I  can  not  say  exactly,  for  I  did  not  see 
her  yesterday.  The  soldiers,  however,  and  watchmen,  too, 
affirm  that  she  was  dressed  entirely  in  white,  which  betokens 
the  death  of  a  person  of  high  rank." 

"You  did  not  see  the  White  Lady  yesterday,  then?  } 
think  she  always  passes  through  your  room,  Mrs.  Culwin?  " 

"  She  took  anotber  route  this  time,  and  something  quite 

to  be  announced :  but  if  only  some  member  of  their  family,  in  white 
with  black  gloves. 

*  Vide  Historical  Archives. 

f  Vide  Buchholz's  History  of  Brandenburg. 


304  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

iiniisual  happened:  she  even  appeared  outside  of  the  castle, 
for  the  soldiers  maintain  that  she  passed  before  their  win- 
dows, and  the  watchman,  who  was  just  making  his  round, 
swears  that  he  also  saw  a  white  figure  glide  past  the  wall.  It 
seems  iliat  this  time  the  White  Lady  came  from  the  Spree 
side.  She  did  not  enter  the  great  corridor  at  all,  but  repaired 
immediately  to  the  Prince's  apartments.  The  sentinel  says 
she  went  in,  and  that  he  distinctly  heard  the  door  creak  and 
shut  as  she  passed  through." 

"  Formerly  no  opening  or  shutting  of  doors  was  to  be 
heard,  was  there?  "  asked  the  count. 

"  No,  your  excellency,  I  never  heard  anything  of  the  kind, 
and  it  always  seemed  to  me  as  if  the  door  opened  not  at  all, 
and  as  if  the  White  Lady  vanished  like  mist." 

"  And  she  only  visited  the  Prince's  apartments?  Do  you 
know  who  was  there?  " 

"  Nobody  but  the  Electoral  Prince  and  his  valet,  I  hear. 
I  myself  was  not  at  home  when  the  event  occurred.  Your 
excellency's  stewardess  had  invited  me  to  assist  her  in  pre- 
paring yesterday's  feast,  and  I  only  returned  in  haste  as  soon 
as  it  was  rumored  that  the  White  Lady  was  abroad  in  the 
castle." 

"  But  you  have  surely  seen  and  questioned  the  Prince's 
valet?" 

"  He  is  the  only  man  in  the  castle  who  can  not  be  ap- 
proached with  good  or  evil  words,  your  excellency,  and  who 
brooks  not  being  questioned.  Of  course,  I  tried  questioning 
him  about  the  White  Lady,  but  his  only  answer  was  that  he 
had  seen  nothing,  and  did  not  believe  in  ghost  stories.  He 
only  knew  that  his  dear  young  Prince  was  sick,  and  he  trou- 
bled himself  about  nothing  else." 

"He  is  still  sick  then,  the  Electoral  Prince?"  asked 
Count  Schwarzenberg  with  indifference.  "  Has  he  not  slept 
off  his  intoxication  yet?" 

"  Most  gracious  sir,  I  do  not  believe  that  it  was  intoxica- 
tion, else  surely  the  Prince  would  be  well  to-day!  But  he  is 
not  at  all  better,  and  the  Electress,  who  visited  her  son  early 
this  morning,  broke  forth  into  loud  weeping  when  she  saw 
him,  for  he  must  look  just  like  a  corpse." 


THE  PURSUIT.  305 

"  Did  he  recognize  the  Eleetress?    Did  he  speak  to  her?  " 

"  He  knows  nobody,  he  does  not  open  his  eyes,  but  lies 
there  stiff  and  stark  like  a  dead  man,  and  if  he  did  not  some- 
times fetch  a  breath,  you  would  believe  that  he  were  already 
dead.  This  the  little  Princess  herself  told  me,  as  I  accidentally 
met  her  in  the  passage,  when  she  returned  from  visiting  her 
brother.  But  the  doctor  says  this  sleep  is  the  beneficial  result 
of  liis  treatment,  and  that  when  the  Electoral  Prince  awakes 
he  will  be  quite  restored  to  health.  He  has  ordered  that  no 
one  else  be  admitted  to  see  the  Prince,  and  Dietrich  watches 
over  him  like  a  Cerberus." 

.  "  And  he  does  well  in  that,  Mrs.  Culwin.  I  thank  you  for 
3^our  information,  and  if  anything  new  should  happen  I  beg 
of  5'ou  to  come  to  me^forth^Yith.  Tell  me  one  thing  more:  Do 
you  believe  that  the  specter  will  come  again  to-night?  Is  it 
the  custom  of  the  White  Lady  to  show  herself  oftener  than 
once  ? " 

"  My  husband  maintains  that  if  she  appears,  as  at  this 
time,  all  in  white,  she  will  come  again  three  nights  consecu- 
tively. So  it  was  when  the  Elector  Sigismund  died.  1  saw 
her  only  once,  and  she  Avore  black  gloves,  but  the  next  even- 
ing my  husband  saw  her  on  the  other  side  of  the  castle  dressed 
all  in  white,  and  on  the  third  evening  the  Elector  died." 

"It  woidd  be  interesting  if  the  White  Lady  should  come 
again  to-night.  I  should  like  to  know  if  it  is  the  case, 
and Well,  farewell,  Mrs.  Culwin,  and  if  you  learn  any- 
thing new,  share  it  with  me.  Perhaps  I  shall  come  over  to 
the  castle  myself  to-night." 

He  held  out  his  hand  to  the  old  woman,  and,  as  he  pressed 
hers,  he  let  a  well-filled  purse  slip  into  it.  He  cut  off  her  ex- 
pressions of  gratitude  by  a  short  nod  of  the  head,  and  waved 
her  toward  the  door.  The  castellan's  wife  withdrew,  and,  ab- 
sorbed in  deep  thought,  Count  Schwarzenberg  remained  alone 
in  his  cabinet.  With  hands  folded  behind  his  back,  he  walked 
for  a  long  while  to  and  fro.  His  pace  was  ever  steady,  ever 
composed;  his  countenance  seemed  quite  cheerful,  quite  tran- 
quil, and  yet  his  soul  was  stirred  by  passion  and  a  storm  was 
raging  in  his  breast. 

"  He  is  alive — he  is  still  alive,"  he  said  to  himself.    "  One 


306  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

could  almost  believe  that  he  has  a  star  above  which  watches 
over  him  and  preserves  him.  It  has  been  ever  so  from  child- 
hood; and  at  times  when  I  think  of  him  I  experience  an  un- 
wonted sensation — I  am  afraid  of  him.  He  is  my  deadly 
enemy,  I  know  it.  If  I  did  not  thrust  him  aside,  he  would 
do  so  with  me.  If  I  did  not  kill  him,  he  would  kill  me.  It 
was  a  mere  act  of  self-defense  to  put  him  out  of  the  way.  If 
it  miscarries,  I  am  lost,  for  I  shall  not  soon  have  courage  for 
a  second  attempt.  I  am  a  coward  in  this  young  man's  pres- 
ence, I  am  afraid  of  him!  He  is  my  fate,  my  evil  fate!  And 
I  can  not  avert  it,  can  undertake  nothing  more.  I  lack  a  tool. 
Oh,  what  a  blockhead  I  was  to  dismiss  Nietzel!  His  own  sins 
were  the  scourge  by  which  I  lashed  him  into  action.  He  was 
as  wax  in  my  hands,  and  if  he  failed  this  time,  he  must  have 
tried  it  again.  I  would  have  driven  him  to  it,  and  he  would 
have  been  forced  to  obey.  If  the  Electoral  Prince  should 
now  get  well,  Nietzel  would  be  glad,  for  he  is  a  soft-hearted 
fool,  and  had  it  not  been  for  Eebecca's  sake,  he  could  never 
have  brought  himself  to  commit  the  deed.     Even  while  he 

executed  it  his  heart  bled,  and My  God!  "  he  suddenly 

exclaimed,  "what  a  thought  bursts  upon  me!  If  this  Niet- 
zel  " 

He  was  silent  and  sank  into  an  armchair,  putting  his  hands 
before  his  face,  to  shut  out  the  outer  world,  to  be  undisturbed 
in  his  deep  train  of  thought. 

Long  he  sat  there,  silent  and  motionless.  Then  he  let 
his  hands  glide  from  before  his  face,  which  had  now  again 
resumed  its  haughty,  composed  expression,  and  arose  from 
his  seat. 

"  I  must  know  what  is  the  meaning  of  this  ghost  story," 
he  said  softly  to  himself.  "  Nowhere  has  the  phantom  been 
seen  but  in  the  antechamber  to  the  Prince's  rooms.  It  did 
not  go  like  other  spirits  through  walls  and  closed  doors,  but 
must  needs  open  and  shut  doors,  like  ordinary  mortals.  Yet 
old  Dietrich  denies  having  seen  the  White  Lady  in  the  Elec- 
toral Prince's  room.  Then  afterward  the  White  Lady  was  seen 
outside  the  castle,  she  did  not  vanish  through  the  air,  but 
went  out  like  a  human  being.  It  is  a  plot,  that  is  clear.  They 
are  conspiring  with  the  Electoral  Prince,  and  profit  by  the 


THE  PURSUIT.  3U7 

mask  to  obtain  safe  access  to  the  castle;  or  it  may  be  Nietzel, 
come  to  confess  what  he  has  done  to  the  Prince — maybe  even 
to  bring  him  a  remedy.  I  must  unravel  it!  I  am  sure  the 
illusion  succeeded  so  well  last  night  that  the  apparition  will 
be  repeated.  I  shall  make  my  regulations  accordingly,  and  if 
it  is  so,  then  let  the  White  Lady  beware  of  me,  for  I  am  a 
good  conjurer.  I  shall  go  to  the  castle  myself  to-night,  and 
when  the  sentinels  flee,  I  shall  go  in.  Ah!  we  shall  see  who  is 
stronger,  the  White  Lady  or  the  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark!  " 

Melancholy  and  quiet  reigned  all  day  long  in  the  Electoral 
palace.  The  Elector  himself  remained  in  his  cabinet  and  had 
the  court  preacher  John  Bergius  called,  that  he  might  pray 
with  him  and  edify  him  by  a  few  hours'  pious  conversation. 
But  the  dreadful  uncertainty  as  to  whether  the  White  Lady 
had  appeared  in  deep  mourning  or  with  black  gloves  still  con- 
tinued to  disturb  him,  and  whenever  a  door  opened  a  shudder 
crept  through  his  veins,  for  he  thought  that  the  White  Lady 
herself  might  be  coming  to  call  him  away. 

"  I  shall  leave  Berlin,"  he  said  perpetually  to  himself.  "  I 
shall  return  to  Konigsberg;  for  if  I  stay  here  I  will  certainly 
die  of  anxiety  and  distress.  I  can  not  live  in  the  house  with 
a  ghost.  I  shall  go  away.  Ah!  there  is  the  door  opening 
again!    Who  is  it?    Who  dares  come  in  here?  " 

"  It  is  I,  my  husband,"  cried  the  Electress,  bursting  into 
tears.    "  I  am  just  from  our  son." 

"  How  is  he?  "  asked  the  Elector  carelessly.  "  Has  he  at 
last  slept  off  the  fumes  of  liquor?  " 

"  Alas!  George,  I  fear  this  is  no  case  of  intoxication,  but 
he  is  dangerously  sick.  The  AYhite  Lady  did  not  appear  for 
nothing." 

"  What,  you  think  t^he  came  on  our  son's  account?  "  asked 
the  Elector,   almost  joyfully.     "  You  think  it   is  not  for 

our "    He  paused  and  drew  a  breath  of  relief,  for  he  felt 

as  if  a  heavy  burden  had  been  lifted  from  his  soul.  "  You 
really  think,  my  dear,  that  the  White  Lady  came  on  our  son's 
account?  " 

"I  fear  so,  alas!  I  fear  so!  My  son  is  sick  and  will  prob- 
ably die,  and  our  house  will  be  left  desolate,  become  extinct, 
and  ingloriously  decay.     Oh,  my  son!  my  son!  I  had  built 


308  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

all  my  hopes  upon  him,  and  when  I  thought  of  him  the  future 
looked  bright  and  promising." 

"  And  if  he  were  no  more,  then  would  all  look  sad  and 
gloomy  to  you,  although  your  husband  would  still  be  at  your 
side,  which  rightfully  ought  to  console  you.  But  you  have 
ever  been  a  cold  wife  to  me  and  a  tender  mother  to  your  son, 
and  it  really  vexes  me  to  see  how  you  love  the  son  and  despise 
his  father.  What  an  ado  you  make  merely  because  your  son 
has  taken  a  little  too  much  liquor,  and  suffers  from  the  effects 
of  intoxication,  as  the  doctor  says!  " 

"  But  I  tell  you,  George,  the  Electoral  Prince  is  sick,  and 
the  White  Lady " 

"  I  will  hear  no  more  of  that,"  broke  in  the  Elector  pas- 
sionately; "  it  is  a  silly,  idle  tale,  not  worthy  of  credit.  Every- 
body is  dinning  it  into  my  ears  to-day,  and  it  is  simply  intol- 
erable to  have  to  listen.  I  Just  wish  that  I  could  leave  this 
place,  to  be  rid  of  this  tiresome  ghost  story,  and  not  to  have 
to  undergo  such  torment  and  vexation.  In  Konigsberg,  at 
least,  we  live  in  peace  and  quiet,  and  are  not  forever  plagued 
by  the  sight  of  sullen  faces  and  perpetual  threats  of  war  and 
pestilence.  In  Konigsberg  Castle,  too,  the  White  Lady  has 
never  appeared,  and  there  are  no  nightly  apparitions  there." 

"  Let  us  return  to  Konigsberg,  George!  "  cried  the  Elec- 
tress.  "  Do  so  for  our  son's  sake;  I  tell  you  if  we  stay  here, 
he  is  lost!  Death  stands  forever  at  his  side,  threatening  his 
precious  young  life!  Ask  me  not  what  I  mean,  for  I  can  not 
explain  myself;  yet  I  feel  that  I  am  right,  and  that  he  is  lost 
if  we  do  not  speedily  depart.  Only  listen  this  one  time  to 
my  entreaties  and  representations,  my  husband.  Let  us  set 
out  before  it  is  too  late." 

"  Well  then,  Elizabeth,  I  will  do  as  you  wish,"  said  George 
William,  who  was  glad  that  he  could  grant  his  wife  what  he 
so  ardently  wished  himself.  "  Yes,  we  shall  promptly  depart, 
since  you  urge  it  so  pressingly." 

The  Electress  gently  encircled  her  husband's  neck  with 
her  arm  and  imprinted  a  kiss  upon  his  brow.  "  Thank  you, 
George,"  she  whispered.  "  You  have  probably  saved  our 
son  from  death.  May  the  merciful  God  grant  him  restora- 
tion to  health,  and  so  soon  as  this  is  the  case  let  us  set  off." 


THE  PURSUIT.  309 

"  Make  all  your  preparations  then,  Elizabeth,  for  I  tell 
you  your  tenderly  beloved  son  is  only  a  little  tipsy,  and  to- 
morrow will  be  well  as  ever." 

"  God  grant  that  you  speak  the  truth,  George.  Then  let 
us  commence  our  journe}"  day  after  to-morrow,  which  is 
Wednesday.  But  hark!  I  have  one  more  request  to  make  of 
you.  Tell  no  one  of  our  projected  trip.  Let  us  make  our 
preparations  in  perfect  secrecy." 

"  For  all  that  I  care,"  growled  the  Elector.  "  The  prin- 
cipal thing  is  to  be  off.  Abode  here  has  been  hateful  to  me 
ever  since  I  heard  those  shouts  of  the  populace  the  day  our 
son  returned.  I  can  not  live  in  a  city  where  the  mob  under- 
takes to  meddle  in  government  affairs,  and  even  prescribes 
to  its  Sovereign  the  dismissal  of  his  minister.  It  is  an  up- 
roarious, insolent  rabble,  the  rabble  of  Berlin,  and  I  shall  not 
feel  glad  or  tranquil  until  I  have  left  the  place." 

"  And  I,  too,  George,  will  not  feel  glad  or  tranquil  until 
we  have  left  the  place,  carrpng  our  son  with  us.  I  am  going 
to  work  directly,  and  will  prepare  everything  for  our  depart- 
ure, and  consult  with  my  daughters.  But  I  must  first  go 
and  see  how  our  son  is." 

The  Electress  hastened  back  to  the  apartments  of  the 
Electoral  Prince,  and  old  Dietrich  came  to  meet  her  with  joy- 
beaming  countenance  to  announce  to  her  that  the  Prince  was 
awake,  and  felt  perfectly  well.  "  He  only  feels  a  great  weak- 
ness in  his  limbs,  and  his  head  is  heavy.  The  doctor  has  been 
here,  and  ordered  that  the  Prince  be  kept  perfectly  quiet 
to-day,  and  not  allowed  to  speak  with  any  one  or  to  leave  his 
bed.    To-morrow  he  will  be  quite  well  again." 

"  Then  I  will  not  speak  to  him,"  exclaimed  the  Electress; 
"  I  will  only  take  one  look  at  him  and  give  him  one  kiss." 

She  entered  her  son's  sleeping  room  and  stepped  up  to 
his  couch.  The  Electoral  Prince  smiled  upon  her,  and  his 
large  eyes  greeted  her  with  tender  glances.  He  had  already 
opened  his  mouth  to  speak,  but  the  Electress  quickly  laid  her 
hand  upon  his  lips. 

"  Do  not  speak,  my  Frederick,"  she  whispered  softly. 
"  Sleep  and  compose  yourself;  know  that  your  mother  ten- 
derly loves  you.     For  my  sake,  my  son,  keep  quiet  to-day; 


310  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

keep  your  bed  and  talk  with  no  one.    Will  you  not  promise 
me?  " 

He  nodded  smilingly  and  imprinted  a  kiss  upon  the  hand 
which  his  mother  still  held  over  his  lips.  The  Electress  hur- 
ried away,  and  Frederick  again  remained  alone  with  his  old 
valet. 

"  Now,  Dietrich,"  he  whispered  softly,  "  now  keep  watch 
that  no  one  enters,  and  let  us  quietly  await  the  night." 

"  Your  grace  thinks  that  the  White  Lady  brought  you 
good  medicine  last  night,  and  that  she  will  come  again,  do 
you  not?  " 

"  I  am  convinced  of  it,  my  good  old  man.  God  has  sent 
her  for  my  cure.    God  will  not  have  me  die  already." 

"  The  name  of  the  Lord  be  blessed  and  praised!  "  mur- 
mured Dietrich,  sinking  upon  his  knees  in  fervent  prayer. 

Deep  stillness  pervaded  the  Electoral  Prince's  apartments 
the  whole  day  long,  for  nobody  dared  venture  in.  The  doctor 
himself,  who  came  toward  evening,  only  peeped  in  through 
a  crevice  of  the  door,  and  nodded  quite  contentedly  when  Die- 
trich whisperingly  told  him  that  the  Prince  had  again  fallen 
into  a  gentle  slumber. 

"  I  "knew  it,"  said  the  doctor  with  gravity.  "  My  medicine 
was  meant  to  cure  him  by  means  of  sleep,  and  I  am  not  sur- 
prised that  my  calculations  have  proved  perfectly  correct. 
To-morrow  the  Prince  will  be  perfectly  well — that  is  to  say, 
if  he  regularly  takes  my  medicine.  It  has  been  prepared  for 
the  second  time,  I  hope?" 

"  Yes,  indeed,  doctor,  and  the  Prince  has  half  emptied  the 
second  bottle." 

The  doctor  nodded  with  an  important  air,  and  repaired 
to  the  Electress,  to  inform  her  that  the  Electoral  Prince  had 
been  upon  the  point  of  taking  a  violent  nervous  fever,  but  that 
the  right  medicament,  which  he  had  given  him,  had  averted 
this  evil,  and  saved  the  Prince  from  imminent  peril. 

Old  Dietrich,  however,  threw  away  a  spoonful  of  medicine 
every  quarter  of  an  hour,  and  when  night  came  the  bottle  was 
empty. 

And  now  the  longed-for  night  had  closed  in  with  its  cur- 
tain of  darkness,  its  noiselessness  and  quiet.     Deep  silence 


THE  PURSUIT.  311 

ruled  throughout  the  castle,  no  loud  word  was  any  longer  to 
be  heard,  not  a  man  was  to  be  met  in  hall  or  passage.  Before 
the  ushering  in  of  the  momentous  hour  each  one  had  made 
haste  to  tuck  himself  up  in  bed,  and  shut  his  eyes,  for  every- 
body dreaded  lest  the  specter  of  the  preceding  night  should 
walk  abroad  again  and  show  itself  to  him.  The  sentinels  in 
the  corridor  before  the  Electoral  suite  of  rooms  and  in  the 
vestibule  of  the  Prince's  apartments  dared  not  walk  to  and 
fro,  for  the  noise  of  their  own  steps  terrified  them,  and  the 
dark  shadows  of  their  own  forms,  thrown  upon  the  ground  by 
the  dim  oil  lamps,  fUled  them  with  unspeakable  dread.  They 
had  planted  themselves  stiffly  and  rigidly  beside  the  doors, 
firmly  determined  as  soon  as  the  awful  apparition  should  show 
itself  to  take  to  their  heels  and  return  to  the  guardroom.  And 
happily  they  had  some  justification  for  this,  inasmuch  as  the 
soldiers  had  received  orders  from  the  Stadtholder  in  the  ^Mark, 
when  they  relieved  guard,  to  convey  instant  tidings  to  the 
guardhouse  if  anything  remarkable  should  occur. 

In  order  to  convey  instant  tidings,  they  must  of  course 
take  to  their  heels  and  forsake  their  posts.  Tliis  was  the  only 
comfort  of  the  soldier  who  was  stationed  in  the  vestibule 
leading  to  the  princely  apartments,  and  therefore  he  stood 
close  to  the  door,  which  was  only  upon  the  latch,  that  he 
might  the  more  rapidly  gain  the  grand  corridor,  and  warn 
in  his  flight  the  sentinels  there.  Yet  he  dared  not  open  his 
eyes,  and  his  heart  beat  so  violently  that  it  took  away  his 
breath. 

The  great  cathedral  clock  tolled  the  hour  of  midnight  with 
loud  and  heavy  strokes.  The  clock  in  the  castle  tower  gave 
answer,  and  then  the  wall  clock  in  the  great  corridor  slowly 
and  solemnly  struck  twelve. 

The  soldier  closed  his  eyes,  and  murmured  with  trem- 
bling lips.  "  All  good  spirits  praise  the  Lord  our  God." 

The  clangor  of  the  clocks  had  ceased,  and  all  again  was 
still. 

The  soldier  ventured  to  open  his  eyes  again.  As  yet  no 
sound  broke  in  upon  the  stillness;  his  glance  timidly  and 
slowly  made  the  circuit  of  the  hall.  The  two  oil  lamps  burned 
clearly  enough  to  enable  him  to  survey  the  whole  intervening 


312  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

space.  He  saw  everything  quite  distinctly.  There  the  door 
with  the  himps,  here  the  door  beside  which  he  leaned;  against 
the  wall  on  that  side  those  two  huge,  black  wooden  presses, 
so  curiously  carved,  and  between  them  that  little  door.  This 
door  began  to  make  him  uneasy.  Whither  did  it  lead?  Why 
stood  no  guard  there?  Was  it  locked  or  merely  latched?  He 
asked  himself  all  this  with  quickly  beating  heart,  and  could 
not  turn  his  glance  from  it.  He  had  never  before  observed  it. 
Now  it  seemed  to  him  as  if  it  moved!  A  cold  shudder  ran 
through  his  whole  frame. 

Yes,  it  was  no  illusion!  Yes,  the  door  opened,  and  there 
stood  the  White  Lady  in  her  long,  flowing  robes!  The  soldier 
did  not  shriek,  for  horror  had  frozen  the  scream  upon  his  lips. 
He  tore  open  the  door,  and  rushed  into  the  corridor,  and  his 
deadly  pale  and  terrorstricken  face  imparted  with  greater  ra- 
pidity than  words  to  the  two  sentinels  there  the  dreadful 
tidings.  All  three  ran  down  the  corridor  together  to  the 
front  door,  down  the  steps,  across  the  wide  court,  and  into 
the  guardroom. 

"  The  White  Lady!  the  White  Lady!  "  they  gasped. 

"Where  is  she?  Who  has  seen  her?"  inquired  a  form 
emerging  from  the  rear  of  the  room  and  approaching  them; 
and  now,  as  the  lamplight  fell  upon  this  form,  the  soldiers 
recognized  it  very  well — it  was  the  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark 
himself  who  stood  before  them,  and  behind  him  they  saw  his 
Chamberlain  von  Lehndorf  and  the  police-master  Brandt. 

"  Which  of  you  has  seen  the  White  Lady?  "  asked  Count 
Schwarzenberg  once  more. 

"  I,  gracious  sir,"  stammered  one  of  the  three  with  diffi- 
culty. "  I  was  stationed  before  the  Electoral  Prince's  rooms, 
and  I  saw  the  White  Lady  enter  through  the  little  door  be- 
tween the  two  presses." 

"  And  whither  went  she?  " 

"  That  I  did  not  see,  your  excellency,  for " 

"  For  you  ran  away  directly,"  concluded  Count  Schwarz- 
enberg for  him.  "And  you  two  others!  You  stood  in  the 
great  corridor;  did  you  see  the  apparition,  too?" 

"  No,  your  excellency,  we  did  not  see  her.  She  did  not 
come  through  the  great  corridor." 


THE  PURSUIT.  313 

"You  did  not  see  her.    Why  did  you  run  away  then?  " 

"  Your  excellency,  we  ran  away  because — because — we 
do  not  know  ourselves." 

"  Well,  I  know,"  cried  the  count,  shrugging  his  shoulders. 
"You  ran  away  because  you  are  cowards!  Hush!  No  ex- 
cuses now!  We  shall  talk  about  it  early  to-morrow  morning. 
Stay  here  in  the  guardroom.  I  myself  will  go  up  and  see 
what  folly  has  frightened  you  hares.  Lehndorf  and  Brandt, 
both  of  you  stay  here  and  await  my  return." 

"  But,  most  gracious  sir,"  implored  the  chamberlain,  "  I 
beg  your  permission  to  accompany  you.  Nobody  can 
know " 

"  Wliether  the  White  Lady  may  not  stab  and  throttle  me, 
would  you  say?  No,  Lehndorf,  I  fear  no  woman's  shape,  be 
she  clothed  in  wliite  or  black.  I  am  well  armed,  and  methinks 
the  White  Lady  will  find  her  match  in  me.  All  of  you  stay 
here;  but  if  I  should  not  return  in  an  hour,  then  you  may 
mount  the  stairs  and  see  whether  the  White  Lady  has  borne 
me  off  thi'ough  the  air. — Which  of  you,"  he  said,  turning  to 
the  soldiers — "  which  of  you  stood  guard  before  the  princely 
apartments?  " 

"  It  was  I,  your  excellency." 

"  Whence  came  the  White  Lady?  " 

"  She  came  through  the  little  door  between  the  two  presses 
in  the  vestibule." 

"  It  is  well!  You  will  all  stay  here.  And,  as  I  said,  Lehn- 
dorf, if  I  return  not  in  an  hour,  then  come." 

He  nodded  kindly  to  the  chamberlain  and  strode  out  of 
the  room. 

Meanwhile  above,  in  the  Electoral  Prince's  chamber,  the 
White  Lady  had  been  expected  with  glowing  impatience. 
Dietrich  had  already  stood  for  a  quarter  of  an  hour  at  the  ante- 
chamber door,  waiting  with  palpitating  heart  for  her  appear- 
ance. The  Electoral  Prince  had  with  difficulty  raised  himself 
up,  and,  supporting  himself  upon  his  elbows,  had  been  listen- 
ing with  uplifted  head  in  the  direction  of  the  door  ever  since 
the  midnight  hour  had  struck.  And  now  the  door  opened 
and  the  White  Lady  glided  in.  With  gentle,  undulating 
gait  and  veil  thrown  back  she  went  to  the  Prince's  bed,  and 


314  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

when  slie  saw  him  sitting  up  a  smile  lighted  up  her  pale 
face. 

"  You  see,  Electoral  Prince  Frederick  William,  I  have 
not  deceived  you,"  she  said;  "  you  live,  and  you  will  now  get 
perfectly  well." 

"  Yes,  I  believe  that  I  will  get  well,"  replied  the  Prince; 
"  and  I  owe  my  life  to  you." 

"  Never  mind  that,"  said  she,  slowly  shaking  her  head.  "  I 
am  not  here  for  your  sake,  but  for  my  poor  Gabriel's  sake, 
to  expiate  his  sin  and  to  free  his  soul  from  guilt.  I  dare  not 
use  many  words.  The  fame  of  the  White  Lady  has  spread 
through  the  whole  city,  and  it  may  well  be  that  they  are  on 
my  track  to-night — that  Count  Schwarzenberg's  suspicions 
have  been  aroused.  He  is  a  bad  man,  and  I  am  afraid  of 
him." 

"  And  yet  you  have  come  here!  Have  not  shunned  dan- 
ger in  order  to  save  me!  " 

"  I  have  not  shunned  danger  in  order  to  go  to  my  be- 
loved and  be  able  to  tell  him — '  Lift  up  your  head  and  rejoice 
in  the  Lord;  crime  is  taken  away  from  your  head — you  are 
no  murderer,  for  the  Electoral  Prince  lives.'  One  thing  I 
would  like  to  add,  and  I  beseech  you  to  grant  it  to  me.  Say 
that  you  will  pardon  Gabriel  Nietzel." 

"  I  pardon  Gabriel  Nietzel  with  my  whole  heart,  and  never 
shall  he  be  punished  for  what  he  has  done  to  me!  You  have 
atoned  for  his  crime,  and  may  God  forgive  him,  as  I  do." 

"  I  thank  you,  sir.    And  now  take  your  second  draught." 

She  took  the  little  flask,  poured  the  rest  of  its  contents 
into  a  glass,  and  handed  it  to  the  Prince. 

"  Drink  and  be  glad  of  heart,"  she  said,  "  for  to-morrow, 
early  in  the  morning,  you  will  awake  a  sound  man.  The 
angel  of  death  has  swept  past  you;  take  good  heed  lest  you 
fall  a  second  time  into  his  clutches.  Flee  before  him  to  the 
greatest  possible  distance.  There,  take,  drink  life  and  health 
from  this  glass,  and  the  Lord  our  God  be  with  you  in  all  your 
ways!  " 

"  I  thank  you,  and  blessed  be  you  too!  "  And  the  Elec- 
toral Prince  took  the  glass  from  her  hand  and  drained  it. 

"  It   is   finished,"   said   Rebecca,   heaving   a   deep   sigh. 


THE  PURSUIT.  315 

"Now  I  can  return  to  m}^  beloved  and  my  cliild.  Fare- 
well! " 

"  Give  me  your  hand,  and  let  our  farewell  be  that  of 
friends,"  said  Frederick  AYilliam. 

She  reached  forth  her  little  white  hand  from  beneath  her 
veil,  and  he  cordially  pressed  it  within  his  own.  "  You  are 
a  noble,  high-minded  woman,  and  I  shall  ever  remember  you 
with  gratitude  and  friendship.  I  owe  you  my  life;  it  is  truly 
a  great  debt,  and  you  would  be  magnanimous  if  you  could 
point  out  some  way  whereby  the  weight  might  be  a  little  less- 
ened. I  beseech  you  tell  me  some  way  in  which  I  may  prove 
my  gratitude." 

"  I  will  do  so,  sir!  Some  day  when  you  are  Elector,  and 
a  reigning  Sovereign  in  your  land,  then  have  compassion  upon 
those  who  are  enslaved  and  oppresed,  then  spare  the 
Jews! " 

She  turned  away,  drew  her  veil  over  her  head,  and  dis- 
appeared. 

"  My  work  is  finished!  My  beloved  is  atoned  for!  "  ex- 
ulted her  soul.  x\s  if  borne  on  wings  of  happiness  and  bliss, 
she  soared  through  the  antechamber  and  stepped  out  into  the 
vestibule. 

All  here  was  still  and  quiet,  and  she  did  not  observe  that 
the  sentinel  no  longer  stood  at  the  door.  Her  thoughts  were 
withdrawn  from  the  present,  her  soul  was  far  away  with  him 
— him  whom  she  loved,  for  whom  she  had  risked  her  life. 

Thus  she  sped  through  the  great  space  and  approached 
the  door  between  the  two  presses.  All  at  once  she  started 
and  shrank  back,  and  the  tall,  manly  form  standing  before 
this  door  sprang  forward,  and  with  strong  hand  tore  her  veil 
impatiently  from  her  head. 

"Eebecca!" 

"  Count  Schwarzenberg! " 

For  one  moment  they  surve3^ed  one  another  with  flaming 
eyes. 

She  read  her  death  sentence  in  his  looks.    But  she  would 

not  die.    No,  she  would  not  die!    She  would  see  her  beloved, 

her  child  once  more!    With  a  sudden  jerk  she  freed  her  arm 

from  the  hand  that  held  her  prisoner.     She  knew  not  what 

21 


316  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

to  do.  whither  she  could  flee.  She  had  only  a  vague  con- 
sciousness that  to  be  alone  with  him  meant  death — that  she 
would  be  safe  only  outside  the  castle.  Without,  on  the  street, 
Schwarzenberg  would  not  venture  to  seize  her,  for  he  knew 
that  she  possessed  his  secret  and  that  she  would  accuse  him. 
She  flew  across  the  vestibule,  tore  open  the  door  to  the  long 
corridor,  and  sprang  down  it  like  a  hunted  deer.  But  the  pur- 
suer was  behind  her,  close  behind  her!  She  heard  his  breath, 
he  stretched  out  his  hands  toward  her — she  felt  his  touch,  and 
again  she  burst  loose  and  flew  away!  i 

At  the  end  of  the  corridor  is  a  small  staircase  which  leads 
to  the  upper  stories.  She  knows  the  way — oh,  she  knows 
the  way!  Above  it  is  another  long  corridor,  and  if  from  the 
head  of  the  stairs  she  turns  to  the  right,  she  will  reach  the 
great  staircase.  She  will  hurry  down  to  the  quarters  of  the 
castellan  and  his  wife;  she  will  call — scream! 

Oh,  if  she  can  only  get  so  far! 

She  flies  up  the  little  steps,  but  she  feels  the  pursuer  close 
at  her  heels.  And  just  as  she  reaches  the  top  step,  his  hand, 
like  a  lion's  paw,  is  laid  upon  her  shoulder. 

"  Stand  still,  or  I  will  strangle  you!  "  he  murmurs.  "  Stand 
still,  and  I  swear  that  I  will  not  kill  you!  " 

"  No,  no,  I  do  not  believe  you!  "  she  gasps,  and  with  both 
hands  she  seizes  his  and  thrusts  it  back.  Only  on,  on!  She 
no  longer  knows  whether  she  turns  to  the  right  or  left,  she 
runs  down  the  dimly  lighted  corridor,  and  he  follows. 

"  0  God!  0  God!  there  is  no  staircase!  "  She  has  missed 
the  way — there  is  no  way  out  now!  The  dread  enemy  is  be- 
hind her!  She  can  no  longer  avoid  him!  He  will  kill  her, 
for  she  knows  his  secret!    No  escape! — no  deliverance! 

But  at  the  end  of  the  corridor  she  sees  a  door.  If  she  can 
only  succeed  in  opening  it,  jumping  into  the  room,  shutting 
the  door,  and  drawing  the  bolt! 

"  God  help  me!  God  be  with  me! "  she  calls  out  aloud 
and  flies  to  the  door,  bursts  it  open,  rushes  through,  and — 
his  weight  presses  against  it;  she  can  not  shut  it,  she  can  not 
draw  the  bolt.  He  is  there  with  her  in  that  little  room,  w^hich 
has  no  other  outlet.  No  deliverer  is  near!  She  falls  upon 
her  knees,  and  lifts  up  her  arms  to  him  imploringly.     "  Oh, 


THE   PURSUIT.  317 

sir!  oh,  sir,  pity!     Do  not  kill  me!     I  will  be  silent  as  the 


grave 


r " 


"  As  the  grave!  "  repeats  he,  with  a  savage  smile. 

He  stoops  down  and  something  bright  glitters  in  his 
hand!  She  sees  it  quite  clearly,  for  it  is  a  bright  summer 
night,  and  her  eyes  are  inured  to  darkness. 

"  Almighty   God,   you   would   murder   me!      Mercy,    sir, 


mercy 


He  has  closed  the  door  behind  them,  yet  the  shriek  of  her 
death  agony  has  penetrated  the  door  and  echoed  down  the. 
corridor.  Nobody  hears  it.  All  the  chambers  in  this  upper 
story  are  bare  and  uninhabited,  and  for  economy's  sake  the 
corridors  and  staircases  in  this  upper  part  of  the  castle  are 
unlighted.  To-day,  however,  at  nightfall,  the  Stadtholder 
had  himself  brought  word  to  castellan  Culwin  that  every 
passage,  landing,  and  staircase  in  the  whole  castle  should  be 
lighted!  And  so  it  was,  and  even  in  that  remote  upper  story 
lamps  are  burning.  How  long  and  solitary  this  corridor  is! 
Not  the  slightest  sound  has  broken  the  stillness  since  those 
two  sprang  into  that  room. 

But  now!  A  fearful,  piercing  shriek!  A  death  cry  forces 
its  way  through  the  door  and  in  one  long  echo  vibrates  along 
the  corridor.  It  sounds  like  the  wailing  and  moaning  of  in- 
visible spirits.  Then  nothing  more  interrupts  the  silence. 
Nothing  more! 

The  door  opens  again,  and  Count  Schwarzenberg  steps 
into  the  corridor. 

He  is  alone. 

He  locks  the  door  and  puts  the  key  into  his  pocket.  Then, 
with  quiet,  firm  tread,  he  goes  down  the  corridor,  down  the 
little  staircase,  and  finally,  with  composed,  haughty  bearing, 
down  the  great  staircase  into  the  guardroom. 

"  God  be  ])raised,  your  excellency,  that  you  are  here!  " 
calls  out  Lehndorf,  hastening  to  meet  him. 

Count  Schwarzenberg  nods  to  him,  and  then  turns  to  the 
soldiers,  who  stand  there  silent  and  motionless. 

"What  fools  you  are!  "  he  says,  shrugging  his  shoulders. 
"  To  put  you  soldiers  to  flight  no  cannon  is  required,  but  only 
a  couple  of  white  cats.    A  white  cat  it  was,  which  made  cow- 


81  g  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

ards  of  you.  I  saw  her  bounding  along  before  me  through 
the  great  corridor,  and  followed  her  to  the  upper  story.  There 
she  slipped  into  an  open  door,  the  last  door  in  the  upper  story. 
I  jumped  after  her  into  the  little  apartment,  but  she  must 
have  found  some  other  way  out,  for  1  could  find  her  nowhere 
again,  and  that  is  the  only  wonder  of  the  whole  story,  for  the 
windows  were  closed.  For  the  rest  I  command  you  to  let 
naught  of  this  story  transpire,  for  fear  of  giving  rise  to  idle 
tales." 

The  soldiers  heard  him  in  reverential  silence,  but  the  next 
morning  it  was  known  throughout  the  castle  and  almost 
through  the  whole  city  that  the  White  Lady  had  made  her 
appearance  again,  and  that  at  last,  when  pursued,  she  had 
vanished  in  the  form  of  a  white  cat  in  one  of  the  rooms  in  the 
upper  story  of  the  castle.  After  that  nobody  ventured  into 
the  upper  story,  and,  as  it  was  uninhabited,  it  was  not  neces- 
sary to  station  sentinels  there. 


XII. — The  Depakture. 

When  the  Electoral  Prince  awoke  the  next  morning  after 
a  long,  refreshing  slumber,  his  first  glance  fell  upon  his  faith- 
ful old  valet,  who  stood  at  the  foot  of  his  couch,  his  face 
actually  beaming  with  Joy. 

"Why,  Dietrich,"  said  Frederick  William,  "you  look  so 
happy!    What  has  altered  your  old  face  so  since  yesterday?" 

"  The  sight  of  you,  most  gracious  sir,  for  your  face  has 
altered,  too.  Your  cheeks  are  no  longer  deadly  pale,  nor  your 
features  distorted.  Your  highness  looks  quite  like  a  well 
man  now;  somewhat  pale,  it  is  true;  but  your  lips  are  again 
red  and  your  eyes  bright.  Ah,  gracious  sir,  the  dear  White 
Lady  kept  her  word,  she  saved  you!  " 

"  God  bless  her! "  said  the  Electoral  Prince  solemnly. 
"But  hark!  old  man,  tell  nobody  that  I  have  been  saved. 
You  must  not  use  such  dangerous  words,  not  even  tliink  them. 
There  was  no  need  to  save  me,  for  I  have  been  exposed  to  no 


THE  DEPARTURE.  319 

peril.  I  have  not  been  sick  at  all,  but  only  overcome  by  wine, 
and,  to  speak  jalainly,  drunk — do  you  hear,  old  man?  I  have 
been  drunk  two  whole  days:  such  is  the  account  you  must  give 
of  my  attack." 

"  I  shall  do  so,  your  highness,  since  you  order  it;  but  it 
is  a  sin  and  a  shame  that  I  should  slander  my  own  dear  young 
master,  who  is  such  a  sober,  steady  Prince." 

"  Now,  Dietrich,"  said  the  Electoral  Prince,  with  a  melan- 
choly smile,  "  you  give  me  more  praise  than  I  deserve.  I  was 
not  quite  so  sober  in  Holland." 

"  No,  sir;  in  dear,  blessed  Holland,  life  was  a  different 
thing.  It  was  like  heaven  there,  and  when  I  looked  at  your 
grace  I  always  felt  as  if  I  saw  before  me  Saint  George  him- 
self, so  bold,  spirited,  and  happy  you  ever  seemed." 

"  And  so  I  felt,  too,"  said  the  Prince  softly  to  himself. 
"But  all  that  is  past  now.  All!  The  costly  intoxication  of 
happiness  is  at  an  end,  and  I  am  sobered.  Yes,  yes,"  he  con- 
tinued aloud,  springing  with  energy  from  his  couch,  "  you 
are  quite  right,  old  Dietrich.  Now  help  this  sober,  steady 
Prince  to  dress  himself,  that  he  may  wait  upon  the  Elector 
and  Electress  and  announce  his  recovery  to  them." 

After  the  Electoral  Prince  had  made  his  toilet,  he  repaired 
to  the  Electoral  apartments  to  pay  his  respects.  George  Wil- 
liam received  his  son  with  sullen  peevishness  of  manner, 
hardly  deigning  to  bestow  upon  him  more  than  a  single  glance 
of  indifference. 

"  Why,  you  still  look  pale  and  weak,"  he  said  coolly.  "  It 
is  no  great  honor  for  a  Prince  to  be  overcome  by  a  couple  of 
glasses  of  wine,  and  to  succumb  as  if  he  had  been  struck  by 
a  cannon  ball." 

"  Most  gracious  sir,"  replied  Frederick  William,  sm.iling, 
"  I  hope  yet  to  be  able  to  prove  to  your  highness  that  I  can 
stand  against  the  fire  of  cannon  balls  better  than  Count 
Schwarzenberg's  wine,  and  that  I  can  go  to  meet  a  battery 
of  artillery  more  bravely  than  a  batten^  of  bottles." 

"I  hope  it  will  not  be  in  your  power  to  prove  any  sueli 
thing,  sir,"  cried  the  Elector  impatiently.  "  I  want  to  hear 
nothing  about  war,  and  you  must  banish  all  thoughts  of  war 
and  heroic  deeds  from  your  mind,  and  become  a  peaceful,  law- 


320  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

abiding  citizen.  Your  head  has  been  turned  in  Holland,  but 
T  rather  expect  to  set  it  right  again!  We  are  going  back  to 
Prussia,  and  you  will  accompany  us.  Go  now  to  the  Electress, 
and  disturb  me  no  longer  in  my  work." 

Frederick  William  bowed  in  silence  and  repaired  to  his 
mother's  apartments.  The  Electress  received  him  with  open 
arms,  and  pressed  him  to  her  heart. 

"  I  have  you  again,  my  son,  I  have  you  again,"  she  cried 
with  warmth.  "  A  merciful  God  has  not  been  willing  to  de- 
prive me  of  my  only  happiness;  he  has  preserved  you  to  me. 
Oh,  my  son,  I  love  you  so  much,  and  I  feel,  moreover,  that 
you  love  me,  and  that  we  shall  understand  each  other,  and 
that  all  causes  of  disagreement  will  disappear  so  soon  as  that 
hateful,  dreaded  man  no  longer  stands  between  us — he,  who 
is  your  enemy  as  well  as  mine.  We  are  going  back  to  Prussia, 
and  my  heart  is  full  of  joy,  hope,  and  happiness.  There  I 
shall  have  you  safe;  there  you  are  mine,  and  no  murderer  or 
enemy  there  threatens  my  beloved  only  son!  " 

"  But,  most  revered  mother,  there  the  worst,  most  dan- 
gerous enemy  of  all  threatens  me." 

"  Who  is  he?    What  is  his  name?  " 

"  Idleness,  j^our  highness.  I  shall  be  condemned  there 
to  an  inactive,  useless  existence.  I  shall  have  nothing  to  do 
but  to  live.  0  most  gracious  mother!  intercede  for  me  with 
my  father  and  Count  Schwarzenberg,  that  I  may  be  appointed 
Stadtholder  of  Cleves,  for  there  I  would  have  something  to 
do,  there  I  could  be  useful,  and  they  wish  for  my  presence 
there." 

"You  do  not  M'ish  to  stay  with  me,  then?"  asked  his 
mother,  in  a  tone  of  mortification.  "  You  already  wish  your- 
self away  from  me  and  your  sisters?  " 

The  Prince's  countenance,  which  had  been  just  aglow 
with  enthusiasm,  having  for  the  moment  dropped  its  mask, 
now  once  more  assumed  its  serious,  tranquil  expression,  and 
again  the  mask  was  drawn  over  its  features. 

"  I  by  no  means  long  to  be  away  from  you,"  he  said  quietly, 
"  but  I  shall  delight  in  accompanying  you  to  Prussia." 

"  That  is  what  I  call  spoken  like  a  good,  obedient  child," 
cried  the  Electress,  "  and,  Louise,  I  advise  you  to  profit  by 


THE  DEPARTURE.  321 

such  an  example.  Just  look  at  your  sister,  Frederick,  only 
see  what  a  sorrowful  figure  she  presents.  She  does  not  even 
come  to  welcome  her  brother,  but  sits  there  quite  disconsolate 
\nth  tears  in  her  eyes." 

"  No,  dearest  mother,  I  am  not  crying,"  replied  the  Prin- 
cess gently.  "  I,  too,  am  right  glad  that  we  are  to  return  to 
Prussia." 

"  That  is  not  true,  mamma,"  exclaimed  Princess  Hedwig 
Sophie;  "  she  is  not  glad  at  all.  On  the  contrary,  she  cried 
and  lamented  all  last  night,  thinking  that  I  was  asleep  and 
knew  nothing  about  it.  But  I  heard  everything.  I  know  that 
she  would  rather  stay  here,  and  that  she  finds  it  charming  here 
all  of  a  sudden,  although  she  used  to  think  it  so  dull.  But 
Louise  has  entirely  changed  these  last  four  days,  and  since 
he  has  been  here  she  finds  tiresome  old  Berlin  a  splendid 
place,  and " 

"  But,  Hedwig,"  interrupted  her  sister,  whose  cheeks  were 
suffused  with  a  crimson  flush,  "  what  are  you  talking  about, 
and  how  can  you  chatter  such  nonsense?  " 

"  It  is  true,  she  talks  nonsense,"  said  the  Electress  se- 
verely; "  yet  I  should  like  to  know  what  her  words  signify. 
Who  is  lie  who  has  so  transformed  tiresome  Berlin  in  your 
sister's  eyes?  " 

"  Why,  you  do  not  know,  mamma?  "  asked  the  mischiev- 
ous child,  smiling  and  putting  on  a  look  of  astonishment. 
"  You  do  not  know  who  loves  our  Louise  so  ardently,  so  pas- 
sionately? You  do  not  know  the  man  for  whose  sake  she 
would  leave  father  and  mother?  You  do  not  know  the  only 
man  whom  the  Princess  Charlotte  Louise  loves?  " 

"I  do  not  know,  but  I  command  you  to  tell  me!  "  said 
the  Electress  dryly. 

"  Well,"  said  the  Princess,  smilingly  surveying  the  group, 
"  it  is  our  dear,  only  brother — ^it  is  Frederick  William." 

"  You  are  a  little  blockhead! "  exclaimed  the  Electress, 
shrugging  her  shoulders  and  smiling. 

"  You  are  a  dear  little  rogue,"  said  Frederick  William, 
tenderly  embracing  his  willful  sister.  She  playfully  broke 
away  from  him,  dancing  through  the  hall,  and  challenging 
her  brother  to  pursue  and  overtake  her.    Princess  Louise  said 


822         THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

not  a  word,  but  the  blush  upon  her  cheeks  died  away,  and 
the  expression  of  horror  and  alarm  vanished  from  her  fea- 
tures. 

Still  Princess  Hedwig  Sophie  kept  up  her  frolic,  and  as 
often  as  the  Prince  thought  he  had  caught  her  she  flew  off 
again  like  a  butterfly.  Finally,  at  the  extreme  end  of  the 
hall,  he  held  her  fast,  and  now,  laughingly  and  tenderly,  she 
flung  her  arms  about  his  neck,  and  whispered  softly:  "Ex- 
pect me  this  evening  in  your  room  at  nine  o'clock.  I  have 
something  important  to  tell  you.     Silence!  " 

Again  she  let  him  go,  and  continued  to  hop  about,  laugh- 
ing merrily  and  cheerfully  as  a  child. 

And  in  the  evening,  when  the  clock  in  the  great  cor- 
ridor had  just  struck  the  ninth  hour,  the  Princess  Hedwig 
Sophie  slipped  imperceived  into  the  room  of  her  brother, 
who  already  held  the  door  open  for  her  and  awaited  her 
coming. 

"  Look,  here  you  are,  my  princess  of  the  fairies,"  said  he, 
smiling.  "  What  is  there  now  on  hand,  and  what  playful 
scheme  are  you  revolving  in  your  mind  to-day?  " 

But  the  countenance  of  the  Princess  exhibited  no  signs 
of  playfulness.  It  was  pale,  and  her  whole  being  seemed  under 
the  influence  of  violent  excitement. 

"  Frederick,"  she  said  hurriedly,  "  I  have  a  dreadful  secret 
to  confide  to  you.  Our  sister  Louise  loves  Count  Adolphus 
Schwarzenberg." 

"  I  thought  as  much,"  murmured  the  Prince. 

"  I  have  known  it  for  a  long  while,"  continued  the  Prin- 
cess, "  but  I  took  no  notice  of  it,  hoping  that  absence  and 
separation  would  make  her  forget  him.  But  since  his  return 
I  have  had  no  more  hope.  Last  night,  in  her  distress,  she  be- 
trayed all  to  me,  and  I  must  tell  you  something  dreadful, 
something  shocking.  You  must  reveal  it  to  nobody — not 
another  one  must  know  it.    Do  you  promise  me  that?  " 

"  I  promise,  Hedwig.    But  tell  me  what  it  is." 

She  bent  over  close  to  his  ear  and  whispered: 

"  She  has  granted  him  a  rendezvous." 

"  Impossible,  sister,  you  are  mistaken!  " 

"  No,  no,  Frederick,  I  am  not  mistaken.    I  heard  her  my- 


THE  DEPARTURE.  323 

self  when  she  told  him  so.  It  was  in  Count  Schwarzenberg's 
hothouse;  I  came  behind  her  with  the  ladies,  and  she  thought 
I  was  paying  no  attention  whatever  to  her  and  all  that  she 
was  saying  to  Count  Adolphus.  But  I  managed  to  watch  her 
constantly  without  attracting  the  attention  of  the  ladies  I 
was  with.  My  eyes  and  ears  are  very  sharp,  and  I  saw  her 
press  a  note  into  his  hand,  and  heard  her  repeat  to  him  the 
contents  of  the  note,  appointing  an  interview  with  him  this 
evening  at  ten  o'clock.  Old  Trude  is  to  wait  for  him  at  the 
back  side  door  of  the  castle  next  to  the  cathedral,  and  she  is 
to  conduct  him  to  her.  You  must  not  suffer  it,  Frederick 
William;  that  bad  Count  Schwarzenberg  shall  not  carry  off 
my  sister." 

"  No,  that  he  shall  not,"  said  the  Prince.  "  I  thank  you, 
sister,  for  coming  to  me.  We  two  shall  save  her — we  two 
alone,  and  nobody  shall  know  anything  about  it.  Even  she 
herself  must  not  find  out  that  we  know  her  secret.  We  must 
be  brisk  and  determined,  though,  for  it  is  late,  only  wanting 
a  half  hour  of  being  ten  o'clock.    Who  is  old  Trude?  " 

"Louise's  chambermaid,  who  has  been  with  her  all  her 
life,  for  Trade  was  her  nurse.  She  idolizes  our  sister,  and 
would  go  through  fire  and  water  for  her  sake.  What  Louise 
commands  is  law  with  her." 

"  Then  we  must  prevent  old  Trude,  by  force  or  cunning, 
from  going  to  the  door  and  admitting  the  count." 

"  By  force,  impossible,  for  that  would  make  a  noise;  but 
by  cunning.  I  have  it,  Frederick,  I  have  it!  I  will  entice 
old  Trude  into  my  room  and  then  lock  myself  in  with  her, 
plajang  all  sorts  of  tricks,  and  seeming  to  have  no  object  at 
all  in  view  but  amusement  and  teasing.  I  will  take  care  of 
old  Trade." 

"  And  I  of  Count  Schwarzenberg.  It  is  high  time,  sister! 
Make  haste,  lest  old  Trade  escape  you.  But  hark!  It  will 
be  necessary  for  you  to  speak  to  the  old  woman,  besides.  You 
must  threaten  her  with  revealing  the  whole  affair  to  our 
father  if  she  does  not  do  as  you  command,  and  tell  our  sister 
that  she  waited  for  the  coimt  a  whole  hour  in  vain." 

"  You  are  right,  Frederick.  That  is  still  better.  Louise 
must  believe  that  he  did  not  come.    To  work!— to  work!  " 


324  THE   HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

The  Princess  sprang  away  with  the  fleetness  of  a  gazelle, 
and  the  Prince  was  left  alone. 

"  I  wish  I  coiild  go  to  meet  him  sword  in  hand,"  he  mut- 
tered between  his  clinched  teeth.  "  I  understand  their  game. 
They  would  have  poisoned  me  and  carried  off  my  sister,  so 
that  she  would  have  been  forced  to  marry  him,  and  then  by 
means  of  the  Emperor  she  would  have  been  declared  heiress 
of  the  Electoral  Mark  of  Brandenburg.  Ah!  I  penetrate  their 
designs,  and  they  shall  not  succeed.  Their  poison  proved  in- 
efficacious, and  so  shall  their  love!  Now  away  to  the  door 
through  which  the  fine  gallant  was  to  have  entered.  He  will 
find  it  locked,  and  I  shall  keep  guard  before  it  the  livelong 
night." 

The  Prince  left  his  own  apartments,  and  hurried  down 
a  private  staircase  and  through  dark  passages  to  the  door 
designated.  It  was  only  on  latch,  but  a  key  was  in  the  lock. 
Quickly  he  locked  the  door,  and  then  stood  listening  intently. 
It  struck  ten  o'clock,  and  as  the  last  stroke  vibrated  in  his 
ear  a  hand  was  laid  upon  the  door  latch  outside,  and  a  manly 
voice  whispered:  "  Trude,  open!  It  is  I.  The  one  whom 
you  expect!    Open,  quick!  " 

"  Were  it  hell,"  murmured  the  Prince  softly  to  himself, 
"  yes,  were  it  hell,  I  would  open  the  door.  But  there  is  no 
admittance  to  paradise  for  you.  Knock  on,  knock  on!  The 
gates  of  the  Electoral  mansion  are  not  undone  for  you.  Knock 
on;  the  castle  of  the  Elector  of  Brandenburg  is  locked  against 
you,  and  you  must  stand  without,  you  Counts  of  Schwarzen- 
berg,  for  you  shall  not  thrust  me  out  of  the  palace  of  my 
fathers!  I  shall  be  Elector  of  Brandenburg  in  spite  of  you, 
and  then.  Count  Schwarzenberg,  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark, 
then  be  on  your  guard!  I  shall  remember.  Count  Adolphus 
Schwarzenberg,  that  your  finger  rapped  at  this  door,  threat- 
ening to  bring  shame  and  disgrace  upon  this  house!  And 
then,  perhaps,  I  may  open  a  door  for  you,  and  allow  you  to 
enter,  but  it  will  not  be  for  a  lover's  rendezvous,  and  the  door 
which  admits  you  will  not  so  easily  grant  you  an  escape.  Now 
I  suffer  and  endure,  but  a  time  of  reckoning  will  come! 
Schwarzenbergs,  beware  of  me!  " 

For  a  long  while  yet  the  Electoral  Prince  stood  within 


THE  DEPARTURE.  325 

the  door,  and  for  a  long  wliile  yet,  at  intervals,  the  knocking 
on  the  outside  was  repeated.  Then  all  was  still.  Frederick 
William  returned  to  his  own  apartments. 

Early  next  morning  took  place  the  departure  of  the  Elec- 
toral family  for  Prussia.  It  was  to  be  wholly  without  formal- 
ity, and  consequently  no  one  had  been  notified.  The  Elector 
had  only  caused  the  two  Counts  Schwarzenberg  to  be  sum- 
moned after  the  carriages  were  ready,  and  when  they  came 
in  haste  they  found  the  Electoral  family  just  on  the  point  of 
entering  their  several  equipages. 

"  I  meant  to  set  out  secretly,"  said  George  William,  stretch- 
ing out  both  hands  to  the  Stadtholder,  "  in  order  to  spare 
myself  the  pain  of  bidding  you  farewell,  Adam.  But  now  I 
find  that  my  heart  is  stronger  than  my  will,  and  I  must  em- 
brace you  once  more  before  I  go!  " 

While  the  Elector  embraced  his  favorite  and  received  from 
him  assurances  of  perpetual  fidelity.  Count  Adolphus  Schwarz- 
enberg approached  the  Princess  Charlotte  Louise,  who  stood 
silent  and  apart  in  a  window  recess,  looking  out  upon  the 
street  with  pallid  countenance  and  eyes  reddened  by  weeping. 

"  Louise,"  he  whispered  softly,  "  Louise,  you " 

But  before  he  could  utter  another  word.  Princess  Hedwig 
stood  beside  him,  addressing  him  with  amiable  speech,  and 
the  Electoral  Prince  approached  his  sister  and  offered  her  his 
arm  to  conduct  her  to  the  carriage.  She  walked  along,  lean- 
ing on  her  brother's  arm,  without  once  lifting  her  eyes  from 
the  ground,  deeply  humiliated  by  the  thought  that  her  lover 
had  caused  her  to  wait  for  him  in  vain.  A  quarter  of  an  hour 
later  the  two  clumsy  vehicles  containing  the  Electoral  family 
rolled  out  of  the  castle  gate  and  struck  into  the  road  leading 
to  Konigsberg.  The  White  Lady  had  driven  away  the  Elector 
George  William,  and  he  was  nevermore  to  behold  the  palace 
of  his  fathers. 

The  White  Lady  had  saved  Prince  Frederick  William,  and 
as  he  now  drove  through  the  gates  of  Berlin  in  that  clumsy 
old  coach  he  said  to  himself,  with  joyful  anticipation:  "I 
shall  see  you  again,  Berlin!  I  shall  see  you  again,  dear  town 
of  my  fathers!  I  shall  come  back,  and,  please  God,  not  humbly 
&^d  enslaved  as  I  go  away  to-day,  but  as  a  Prince,  who  is  lord 


326  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

within  his  own  domains,  with  God  in  his  heart,  a  clear  sky 
overhead,  and  no  Schwarzenbergs  upon  the  horizon!  " 

Wearily  and  panting  for  breath  the  poor  horses  dragged 
the  heavy  carriage  through  the  sands  of  the  Mark,  but  within 
sat  the  Electoral  Prince — within  sat  Caesar  and  his  fortunes. 


BOOK   IV. 

I. — The  Youthful  Sovereign. 

The  Elector  George  William  had  been  gathered  to  his 
fathers.  On  the  1st  of  December  in  the  year  1640  he  had  at 
last  closed  his  weary  eyes,  and  bidden  farewell  to  a  world 
which  had  brought  him  much  grief  and  disquiet,  little  joy 
and  repose,  much  mortification  and  disappointment,  never  a 
single  triumph  or  solid  satisfaction. 

The  Elector  George  William  had  been  gathered  to  his 
fathers,  and  his  son  Frederick  William  was  Elector  now.  Two 
melancholy  years  of  privation  and  humiliation,  resignation 
and  oppression,  had  he  passed  at  his  father's  side,  ever  sus- 
pected by  him,  ever  watched  with  jealous  eyes,  and  forcibly 
denied  any  participation  in  the  administration  of  the  govern- 
ment, ever  struggling  with  care,  even  for  daily  food,  and 
forced  to  borrow  at  usurious  rates  of  interest  to  provide  even 
a  meager  support  for  his  little  household.  It  had  been  a 
severe  school,  but  Frederick  William  had  passed  through  it 
with  a  brave  spirit  and  cheerful  determination.  Across  the 
dark  and  gloomy  present  his  clear  eye  had  ever  been  directed 
to  the  future,  and  hope  had  ever  lingered  at  his  side,  holding 
him  erect  when  overburdened  by  care,  consoling  him  when 
vexed  and  humiliated  by  his  father's  unjust  suspicions  and 
ill  will.  Not  unexpectedly  had  the  Elector  George  William 
died;  full  two  months  before  his  summons  came,  the  two 
physicians  in  ordinary,  after  holding  a  long  consultation  with 
the  celebrated  Konigsberg  doctors,  announced  to  the  Electoral 
Prince  that  the  Elector  was  drawing  near  his  end,  and  that 
his  dropsy  and  insidious  fever  were  slowly  but   inevitably 

causing  death. 

327 


328  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

The  Electoral  Prince  had  had  time,  therefore,  to  prepare 
for  the  momentous  hour  wliich  would  call  him  from  obscurity 
and  inactivity — time  to  summon  to  him  those  whom  he  wished 
to  have  at  his  side  in  the  critical  hour.  Up  to  the  period  of 
his  father's  death  he  had  been  an  obedient,  submissive  son; 
yet  he  had  well  known  that  as  soon  as  George  William  closed 
his  eyes  he  would  have  to  step  into  his  place  and  be  his  suc- 
cessor. And  he  would  be  a  worthy  successor!  That  he  had 
vowed,  clasping  his  father's  cold  hand.  He  had  told  his 
mother  so  when,  beside  her  husband's  corpse,  she  had  blessed 
him  in  his  new  dignity,  and  besought  his  protection  and  love 
for  herself  and  her  two  daughters!  Yes,  he  would  be  his 
father's  worthy  successor;  he  would  force  the  world  to  re- 
spect him.  Such  were  his  thoughts  as,  on  the  day  after  his 
father's  decease,  he  for  the  first  time  entered  his  cabinet,  and 
seated  himself  before  the  great  writing  table  at  which  the 
Elector  had  been  wont  to  sit. 

To  the  last  day  of  his  life  George  William  had  himself 
held  the  reins  of  government,  and,  in  the  timid  jealousy  of 
his  heart,  angrily  refused  all  aid,  all  assistance.  Ko  one  had 
dared  to  open  and  read  the  incoming  rescripts  nor  to  attend 
to  neglected  business. 

On  the  table  lay  whole  piles  of  unopened  letters  and  re- 
scripts, whole  heaps  of  acts  awaiting  only  the  Electoral  signa- 
ture. Frederick  William  laid  his  hand  on  these  acts  which 
he  had  now  to  sign,  and  his  large,  deep-blue  eyes  were  up- 
lifted to  Heaven. 

"Lord!  "  he  cried  fervently — "  Lord,  make  known  to  me 
the  way  in  w^hich  I  should  go!  " 

These  were  the  first  words  spoken  by  Frederick  William 
on  commencing  his  reign,  and  on  seating  himself  before  his 
father's  cabinet  table,  which  was  now  his  own. 

He  took  up  the  first  of  the  sealed  documents  and  opened 
it.  It  was  a  representation  from  the  cities  of  Berlin  and  Co- 
logne, whose  magistrates  implored  the  Elector  to  furnish  them 
some  redress  for  their  affliction  and  want,  and  besought  him, 
even  now,  to  make  peace  with  the  Swedes,  and  to  command 
the  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark  to  institute  a  milder  government 
in  the  unhappy  province.     In  heartrending  words  they  pic- 


THE   YOUTHFUL  SOVEREIGN.  329 

tured  the  distresses  of  both  wretclied  cities,  which  had  so  far 
dechned  that  they  had  now  hardly  seven  thousand  inhabit- 
ants, while  ten  years  ago  they  had  numbered  more  than  twenty 
thousand.  "  But  fire,  pillage,  and  oppressions,"  so  the  writing 
wound  up,  "  have  reduced  us  to  the  most  extreme  poverty. 
Many  of  the  inhabitants  have  made  haste  to  end  their  wretched 
lives  by  means  of  water,  cord,  or  knife,  and  the  rest  are  upon 
the  point  of  forsaking  their  homes,  with  their  wives  and  chil- 
dren, preferring  exile  to  remaining  longer  in  these  cities,  the 
abodes  of  pestilence  and  w^ar.  The  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark, 
however,  feels  no  pity  for  our  sufferings,  and  just  recently, 
despite  our  entreaties,  has  had  all  the  suburbs  burned  down, 
because  the  Swedish  general  Stallhansch  was  on  the  march 
against  us.  We  most  urgently  entreat  your  highness  to  have 
compassion  upon  us  in  our  low  estate,  and  to  instruct  the 
Stadtholder  to  slacken  the  severity  of  his  rule  and  to  spare 
us  in  our  grief."  * 

Sighing,  Frederick  William  laid  aside  the  melancholy 
writing,  and  took  up  the  next  in  order.  It  was  a  petition 
from  the  town  of  Prenzlow,  not  less  sad,  not  less  moving  than 
the  first.  The  magistracy  of  Prenzlow  likewise  prayed  for 
compassion  and  redress  of  grievances,  and  painted  in  mov- 
ing words  the  misery  of  town  and  country.  "  Since,"  they 
wrote,  "  on  account  of  the  unhappy  war  existing,  the  fields 
hereabout  had  been  lying  idle  for  some  years,  such  un- 
heard-of scarcity  had  ensued  that  the  people  had  not  only 
been  driven  to  making  use  of  unusual  articles  of  diet,  such 
as  dogs,  cats,  nay,  even  dead  asses  lying  in  the  streets,  but 
impelled  by  the  fierce  pangs  of  hunger,  in  town  as  well  as 
in  the  country,  had  fallen  upon,  cooked,  and  devoured  one 
another!  "  f 

"  ]\Iuch  to  be  pitied  land,  and  much  to  be  pitied  Prince 
as  well,"  sighed  Frederick  William.  "  A  heavy,  an  almost 
intolerable  burden  of  government  has  fallen  upon  my  shoul- 
ders.    God  help  me  to  .sustain  it  worthily!  "  J 

*  See  von  Orlich,  The  Great  Elector,  vol.  i,  p.  SO, 
t  Von  Orlich,  p.  53. 

X  Frederick  William's  own  words.     See  Droysen's  History  of  Prus- 
sian Policy,  vol.  iii,  p.  215. 


330  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

He  stretched  out  his  hand  for  a  third  paper,  when  the 
door  opened  and  old  Dietrich  entered. 

"  Well,  old  man,"  asked  the  Elector,  "  what  brings  you 
here?    And  why  is  your  old  face  so  merry  to-day?  " 

"  Because  I  have  something  pleasant  to  communicate  to 
your  highness.  The  two  gentlemen  whom  your  honor  has 
been  expecting  are  here.     Colonel  von  Burgsdorf  and " 

"  Leuchtmar?  "  joyfully  inquired  the  Elector,  and,  upon 
Dietrich's  assent,  he  hurried  himself  toward  the  door.  But 
after  he  had  already  stretched  out  his  hand  to  turn  the  knob, 
he  paused  and  slowly  resumed  his  place  in  the  middle  of  the 
room. 

"  Who  is  in  the  antechamber,  besides?  "  he  asked. 

"  Your  highness,  there  are  also  without  the  gentlemen 
whom  you  summoned  to  an  audience,  the  Chamberlain  von 
Schulenburg,  Hen*  von  Kroytz,  Herr  von  Kospoth,  and  the 
jeweler  Dusnack." 

"  Those  gentlemen  may  wait.  Desire  Herr  von  Kalkhun 
to  come  in." 

Dietrich  withdrew  to  the  antechamber.  The  Elector's 
eyes  were  fastened  upon  the  door  with  an  expression  of  joyful 
expectancy.  When  it  opened,  and  the  tall,  slender  form  of 
his  friend  and  preceptor  became  visible,  he  could  restrain  him- 
self no  longer,  but,  forgetting  all  ceremony,  all  etiquette,  hur- 
ried with  outspread  arms  to  meet  Leuchtmar,  and  impetuously 
clasped  him  to  his  breast. 

"  God  be  praised  that  I  have  you  again!  "  he  said,  with 
a  warm  embrace.  "  Once  more  I  have  found  a  father  and  a 
faithful  friend.  Welcome,  you  man  of  loyal  heart,  with  my 
whole  soul  I  bid  you  welcome!  " 

"  And  you,  most  gracious  sir,"  cried  Leuchtmar,  deeply 
moved,  "  may  you  ever  receive  blessings  and  good  gifts  from 
on  high,  and  always  deserve  them  by  noble  thoughts  and 
deeds!  Such  shall  be  my  prayer  evening  and  morning,  and 
your  highness  shall  verify  my  petition." 

"  Amen!  God  grant  it!  "  said  Frederick  William  solemn- 
ly. "  And  now,  look  at  me,  my  friend,  and  let  me  read  in 
your  features  that  you  are  the  same  as  of  old." 

"  The  same  as  of  old,  indeed!  "  smiled  Leuchtmar.  "  These 


THE  YOUTHFUL  SOVEREIGN.  331 

two  years  have  made  an  old  man  of  me,  and  blanched  my 
hair.  I  not  merely  longed  after  you,  I  grieved  for  you,  know- 
ing, as  I  did,  what  your  grace  had  to  bear  and  suffer.  My 
heart  was  weighed  down  by  grief  and  sorrow  when  I  thought 
of  what  my  beloved  young  master  was  undergoing." 

"  It  is  true,"  said  Frederick  William.  "  I  have  gone 
through  hard  trials  and  had  many  humiliations  to  endure. 
I  have  been  treated  as  an  adventurer  and  alien,  unworthy  of 
being  employed  or  consulted.  I  was  forever  subjected  to  sus- 
picion, and  accused  of  coveting  a  throne  before  my  time. 
If  I  asked  after  my  father's  health,  he  supposed  I  did  so 
because  I  longed  for  liis  death;  and  if  I  made  no  inquiries,  he 
accused  me  of  indifference  and  want  of  natural  affection. 
Alas!  Leuchtmar,  in  the  despair  of  my  soul  I  have  actually 
thought  at  times  that  the  beggar  on  the  street  had  an  enviable 
fate  compared  with  that  of  the  Electoral  Prince  of  Branden- 
burg— and But  hush!  hush!     I  will  no  longer  think 

of  the  past  with  bitterness  and  chagrin.  Eeproach  against 
my  father  shall  never  pass  m}^  lips.  He  rests  with  God,  and, 
as  his  soul  has  entered  into  everlasting  rest,  let  us  not  stir  up 
the  ashes  of  memor}-,  but  let  peace  be  between  father  and  son, 
eternal  peace!  And  now,  my  friend,  be  the  past  forgotten 
and  blotted  out,  with  all  its  pains  and  wounds,  and  to  the 
present  and  future  only  be  our  thoughts  dedicated.  You  are 
here;  I  have  again  my  most  trusted  friend;  and  in  this  the 
very  first  hour  of  our  reunion  I  will  confess  something  to  you, 
Leuchtmar,  which  you  indeed  have  long  since  known,  but 
which  I  in  the  arrogance  of  youth  have  sometimes  denied. 
I  now  feel  that  Socrates  was  a  wise  man  when  he  said,  '  Our 
education  begins  with  the  first  day  of  life,  nor  is  complete 
upon  the  last.'  Fate  has  indeed  placed  me  in  a  difficult  school, 
and  I  am  conscious  that  I  am  far  from  possessing  adequate 
attainments,  and  that  there  is  still  much  for  me  to  Siudy  and 
digest.  Therefore,  my  friend,  from  you  I  demand  aid,  that 
I  may  study  to  some  purpose,  and  that  I  may  at  least  take 
position  in  the  world  and  among  posterity  as  a  first-class 
scholar." 

"Ah!  most  gracious  sir,"  said  Leuchtmar,  smiling,  "you 
are  already  more  than  that,  and  have  in  these  two  years  of 
22 


332  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

trial  passed  your  examen  ahiturientium  with  great  distinc- 
tion." 

"  And  think  you  I  am  entered  now  as  a  student  in  the  high 
school  of  knowledge?  Yes,  Leuchtmar,  such  is  indeed  the 
case,  and  since  it  may  well  be  that  at  times  I  shall  make  false 
steps,  and  commit  blunders  through  inadvertence  or  misun- 
derstanding, I  demand  of  you  to  point  out  to  me  my  mis- 
takes." 

"  But,  your  highness,  I  might  myself  be  the  one  in  error, 
and  in  my  short-sightedness  attempt  to  teach  one  much  better 
acquainted  with  the  subject  than  myself." 

"  In  such  case  let  us  weigh  and  compare  opinions,  when, 
surely,  we  shall  discover  the  right.  Only  promise  me  this  one 
thing,  Leuchtmar,  that  on  all  occasions  you  will  speak  the 
truth  to  me,  according  to  the  best  of  your  knowledge  and  per- 
ception— that  yoii  will  not  conceal  it  from  me,  even  when  you 
may  know  that  it  will  be  irksome  and  disagreeable  to  me. 
Will  you  promise  me  this,  my  friend?  " 

"  I  promise  it.  I  promise,  if  your  highness  requests  the 
expression  of  my  views  and  opinions,  to  give  you  the  truth, 
according  to  the  inmost  convictions  of  my  heart." 

"  No,  Leuchtmar,  in  important  matters  you  must  give 
me  your  opinion,  even  when  I  have  not  asked  for  it." 

"  Well  then,  your  highness,  I  promise  that  too." 

"  And  on  my  side  I  promise  always  to  listen  patiently,  and 
not  to  become  angry  and  excited,  even  when  our  opinions 
disagree  and  you  utterly  oppose  me.  You  smile  and  shake 
your  head.  Probably  you  think  that  I  can  not  keep  my 
promise." 

"I  do  think  so,  your  highness;  yet  I  fear  not,  and  shall 
courageously  weather  the  storm.  I  am  already  old  and  have 
witnessed  the  gathering  of  many  a  tempest,  have  seen  the 
clouds  burst,  and  afterward  seen  the  bright  blue  sky  and 
cheerful  sunshine  again.  I  shall  not  fear,  even  though  the 
thunder  roar  and  growl,  for  the  thunder  has  somewhat  of  the 
voice  of  God,  and  there  is  something  exalted  and  majestic  in 
the  lightning's  flash.  Only,  gracious  sir,  it  must  not  strike, 
but  content  itself  with  harmless  shining.  Will  you  most  kindly 
promise  me  thus  much,  gracious  sir?  " 


THE  YOUTHFUL  SOVEREIGN.  333 

"  Am  I  Jupiter,  that  I  hold  the  lightning  in  my  hand, 
and  can  direct  its  stroke?  " 

"  Yes,  indeed,  sir,  Jupiter  you  are,  in  your  native  element, 
amid  the  flash  of  lightnings  and  the  roar  of  thunder." 

The  Elector  smiled.  "  Tell  me,  Leuchtmar,  am  I  really 
then  of  so  fiery  a  temperament  and  of  so  passionate  a  nature? 
Whv  do  you  not  answer  me?  The  truth,  Leuchtmar,  the 
truth!  " 

"  Well,  the  truth  is  that  your  highness  is  of  quite  a  fiery 
temperament  and  of  a  tolerably  passionate  nature.  But  you 
are  not  to  blame  for  this,  for  it  was  entailed  upon  you  with 
your  Hohenzollern  blood.  You  are  the  worthy  descendant 
of  your  ancestor  Albert  Achilles;  and  be  glad  of  this,  sir,  for 
by  sluggish  blood  and  soft  complexion  great  things  have  never 
been  accomplished." 

"  Then  you  expect  me  to  accomplish  great  things?  " 

"  Yes,  your  highness,  such  are  indeed  my  expectations,  and 
I  glory  in  them!  " 

"  We  will  talk  of  this  hereafter,  friend,"  said  the  Elector, 
gently  shaking  his  head.  "  But  now  let  us  forget  what  I  have 
become  since  yesterday,  and  consider  that  I  have  a  heart, 
which  is  young  still  and  full  of  love  and  ardor,  despite  all  it 
has  suffered.  Two  months  ago,  when  the  doctors  told  me  that 
my  dear  father's  case  was  hopeless,  I  dispatched  secret  mes- 
sages to  two  friends,  and  requested  them  to  come  here  and 
tarry  in  the  neighborhood  of  Konigsberg  until  I  should  have 
them  summoned  by  a  courier.  I  was  not  willing  to  vex  my 
father  in  the  least  degree  during  his  lifetime,  and  would  not 
even  see  my  friends  in  secret,  but  preferred  to  wait  patiently 
until  I  could  do  so  openly.*  The  two  friends  whom  I  sent 
for  to  be  near  me  were  Burgsdorf  and  yourself,  my  Leuchtmar. 
But  to  you  I  gave  previously  another  commission.  Have  you 
executed  it?  " 

"  Yes,  your  highness,  I  have  executed  it." 

"You  have  been  to  Holland?  At  The  Hague  and  at 
Doomward  ?  " 

"  I  have  been  there,  gracious  sir!  " 

"  You  have  been  there,"  repeated  Frederick  William,  draw- 
*  The  Elector's  own  words.     V^'de  Droysen,  vol.  iii,  p.  217. 


334  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

ing  a  deep  breath.  "  0  Leuchtmar!  you  men  in  private  life 
are  happy  because  you  are  free.  You  can  go  whither  you  will, 
and  follow  the  dictates  of  your  own  hearts.  But  we,  poor 
slaves  to  our  position,  must  accommodate  ourselves  to  cir- 
cumstances, and  patiently  submit  to  the  laws  of  necessity. 
How  often  has  it  seemed  to  me  as  if  my  longings  could  not 
be  repressed,  as  if  I  must  break  all  bonds  and  hasten  to  that 
free  and  happy  land  where  the  fairest  days  of  my  life  were 
passed.  How  often,  in  reflecting  upon  the  past,  has  it  seemed 
as  if  a  fire  were  kindled  in  my  breast,  mounting  in  clear  flames 
to  my  head  to  lay  my  reason  in  ashes.  But  I  durst  not  allow 
this,  and  with  my  own  sighs  extinguished  the  leaping  flames, 
and,  Leuchtmar,  shall  I  confess  it?  At  this  moment  I  am 
cowardly,  and  speak  so  much,  because — yes,  because  I  lack 
the  courage  to  ask  one  open  question.  But  I  will  be  bold  and 
courageous,  I  will  conquer  my  poor,  foolish  heart.  Tell  me, 
then,  Leuchtmar,  what  I  must  know!  I  sent  you  to  Holland 
to  obtain  certain  information  with  regard  to  the  evil  reports 
which  have  been  circulated  here.  I  gave  no.  credit  whatever 
to  them,  for  I  knew  they  were  anxious  that  I  should  contract 
a  certain  marriage,  and  would  therefore  crush  the  love  I  was 
cherishing  for  another  person.  And  yet  this  other  lived  within 
my  heart,  and  when  I  closed  my  eyes  I  saw  her  before  me  in 
all  her  beauty  and  loveliness,  and  at  night,  when  all  the  trou- 
bles of  the  day  were  over,  and  I  was  alone  in  my  chamber, 
she  was  near  me,  speaking  to  me  and  consoling  me  with  the 
sweet,  kind  words  she  whispered  to  my  heart.  Ah,  you  see, 
Leuchtmar,  I  am  but  a  very  young  man,  and — courage,  cour- 
age! out  with  the  question!  Have  you  seen  the  Princess 
Ludovicka  Hollandine  ?  " 

As  Frederick  William  asked  this  question  he  walked  to 
the  window  and  turned  his  back  to  the  room.  A  pause  en- 
sued, then  Leuchtmar  replied,  in  gentle,  sorrowful  tones,  "  No, 
gracious  sir,  I  have  not  seen  the  Princess." 

A  shudder  passed  over  the  Prince's  frame,  but  he  did  not 
turn  around. 

"Why  did  you  not  visit  her?  Why  did  you  not  see  her, 
when  I  had  commissioned  you  to  speak  with  the  Princess 
herself?" 


THE  YOUTHFUL  SOVEREIGN.  335 

"  Most  noble  sir,  I  could  not  speak  with  the  Princess,  for 
she  was  no  longer  at  The  Hague." 

"  No  longer  in  Holland?  "  asked  the  Elector,  and  his  ques- 
tion sounded  like  a  cry  of  grief  wrung  from  a  tortured  heart. 
"  Where  was  she  then?    Where  was  Ludovicka?  " 

"  Most  noble  sir,  you  have  imposed  upon  me  the  duty  of 
always  telhng  you  the  truth,  but  at  this  moment  I  feel  it  to 
be  a  difficult  duty." 

"  Perform  it,  Leuchtmar,  I  require  you  to  do  so!  Where 
was  the  Princess  Ludovicka,  if  she  was  no  longer  with  her 
mother?  " 

"  Your  highness,  the  Princess  Ludovicka  Hollandine  has 
voluntarily  forsaken  her  mother  and  her  family,  and  at  first 
they  knew  not  whither  she  had  gone." 

"  And  do  they  know  now?  " 

"The  Electress  of  the  Palatinate  had  received  her  first 
letter  from  the  Princess  the  day  before  I  waited  upon  her, 
and,  as  the  Electress  had  ever  honored  me  with  her  confi- 
dence, she  communicated  to  me  the  contents  of  that  letter." 

"What  were  they?  Quick,  tell  them  quickly,  that  my 
heart  may  not  break  meanwhile.    What  was  in  the  letter?  " 

"  It  said,  most  gracious  sir,  that  of  her  own  free  will,  and 
out  of  most  tender  love  for  the  chosen  of  her  heart,  she  had 
forsaken  her  mother's  house  because  that  Princess  had  re- 
fused her  consent  to  her  union  with  the  man — these  were  her 
own  words — with  the  man  whom  she  loved  above  all  others. 
It  said,  moreover,  that  the  Princess  had  followed  this  man, 
the  Count  d'Entragues,  to  France,  and  that  for  the  present 
she  had  withdrawn  to  a  convent,  preparatory  to  professing 
the  Catholic  religion  and  then  marrying  Count  d'Entragues."  * 

The  Elector  uttered  a  hollow  groan,  and,  putting  both 
hands  before  his  face,  as  if  he  were  ashamed  of  what  he  felt, 
sank  upon  a  chair,  and  sat  long  thus,  breaking  the  silence  with 
occasional  sighs  and  groans. 

Leuchtmar  dared  not  interrupt  this  sacred  silence  even 
by  a  word,  or  to  offer  comfort  to  the  agonized  heart  of  the 
young  Prince  by  words  of  consolation.    He  knew  that  strong 

*  Historical.  Vide  Letters  of  the  Duchess  of  Orleans  to  Countess 
Louise. 


336  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

heart  miipt  first  vent  its  grief  in  order  to  gain  repose,  and  that 
only  from  within  could  spring  up  that  consolation  which 
strengthens  and  sustains. 

After  a  long  pause,  after  a  bitter  inward  conflict,  Fred- 
erick "William  allowed  his  hands  to  drop,  revealing  a  face  pale 
as  death  and  lips  whose  corners  twitched  convulsively. 

"  Leuehtmar,"  he  said,  "  this  is  the  baptism  by  which  I 
am  consecrated  to  my  new  office.  It  is,  indeed,  a  baptism 
of  tears,  and  has  torn  my  wounded  heart,  I  grant  you.  But 
such  a  baptism  of  tears  was  needed  to  wash  from  my  heart 
all  that  could  derogate  from  the  lofty  calling  to  which  alone 
my  whole  being  should  be  dedicated.  No  one  on  earth  can 
accomplish  anything  great  who  has  not  first  received  a  bap- 
tism of  grief  and  tears.  By  such  baptism  the  soul  extricates 
itself  from  earthly  wishes  and  selfish  desires,  and  he  who 
would  be  a  thorough  man  and  accomplish  great  things  must 
be  lord  of  himself,  and  have  no  wishes  for  himself,  but  to 
attain  glory  and  honor!  And  so  I  now  shake  the  past  from 
my  soul  as  a  torn  and  tattered  garment,  and  would  despise 
myself  if  even  a  sensation  of  pain  were  left  behind.  No,  no, 
I  am  free!  My  heart  is  coffined,  and  I  shall  close  the  lid  and 
bid  it  an  eternal  farewell!  " 

"  Your  heart  coffined,  your  highness!  "  said  Leuehtmar 
gently.  "  You  think  so  now,  but  I  tell  you  it  will  again  rise 
from  the  dead,  and  beat  with  full  ardor  and  glow,  for,  God 
be  thanked,  the  heart  of  man  is  a  tenacious  thing,  and  dies 
not  from  one  dagger-thrust.  Its  wounds  can  be  healed,  and 
then  it  is  so  much  the  stronger  because  it  knows  what  it  can 
suffer  and  overcome!  " 

"  Enough  now,  my  friend,  enough! "  cried  Frederick 
William,  shaking  his  head  so  violently  that  his  brown  locks 
fluttered  in  wild  disorder.  "  Thus  I  shake  off  an  unworthy 
love  and  all  vain  lamentations.  Now,  Leuehtmar,  I  am  the 
man,  the  Elector.  A  very  young  man,  you  will  say,  but  one 
who  has  stood  the  brunt  of  battle  and  fire,  who  in  days  has 
lived  through  years,  and  consequently  is  old,  for  my  twenty 
years  count  double.  Baron  von  Leuehtmar,  I  have  much 
to  discuss  with  you,  and  I  summoned  you  here  for  important 
consultations,  but  stay — a  man  is  without  whom  I  can  keep 


THE  YOUTHFUL  SOVEREIGN.  337 

waiting  no  longer,  for  his  time  is  valuable,  and  he  who  makes 
a  workman  wait  robs  him  of  his  capital.  I  beg  you,  Leucht- 
mar,  to  open  the  door  and  call  the  Jeweler  Dusnack." 

Leuchtmar  hastened  to  obey  this  order.  As  he  turned 
toward  the  door  Frederick  William  once  more  passed  his  hand 
rapidly  over  his  face,  and  for  a  moment  pressed  it  to  his  eyes. 
As  he  drew  it  away  he  felt  a  drop  fall  burning  upon  his  hand, 
and  it  shone  there  like  a  bright  diamond,  but — his  eyes  were 
now  dry  and  gUttered  with  the  fire  of  resolution. 

"Well,  Master  Dusnack,"  exclaimed  Frederick  William 
to  the  approaching  jeweler,  "have  you  brought  us,  as  di- 
rected, a  few  seal  rings,  from  which  to  make  our  selection?  " 

"Here  they  are,  your  Electoral  Highness,"  replied  the 
jeweler,  holding  out  a  little  box  and  handing  it  open  to  the 
Elector.  Frederick  William  examined  with  interest  the  bright 
and  sparkling  rings,  which  were  in  separate  compartments, 
and  nodded  kindly  to  the  jeweler. 

"  You  are  a  skillful  workman,  and  your  rings  please  me 
well,"  he  said.  "These  things  are  tastefully  designed  and 
prettily  executed.  You  must  have  very  good  workmen,  and 
it  pleases  me  that  such  things  are  made  in  our  country.  For 
I  suppose,  of  course,  these  beautiful  rings  emanate  from  your 
own  workshop." 

"  Most  gracious  sir,  I  would  that  it  were  so,  and  it  is  not 
my  fault,  indeed,  that  it  is  otherwise.  I  have  been  long  in 
foreign  lands  and  studied  and  worked  in  the  first  jewelry  estab- 
lishments of  Paris.  But  I  find  no  apprentices  here  capable  of 
executing  such  artistic  and  delicate  work,  and  can  only  have 
ordinary  gold  and  silver  ware  made  here,  such  as  forks,  spoons, 
mourning  rings,  and  articles  of  that  kind;  but  for  my  finer 
ornaments  and  such  costly  rings  as  these  I  must  send  to  Paris 
and  Lyons,  where  the  goldsmith's  art  flourishes,  whii.e  it  is 
frightfully  depressed  here,  both  for  the  want  of  purchasers 
and  artisans." 

"  Then  we  must  see  to  it,"  said  Frederick  William,  "  that 
such  times  are  ushered  in,  that  men  shall  feel  free  to  purchase 
golden  trinkets,  and  that  clever  workers  in  gold  be  attracted 
here,  in  order  that  we  may  dispense  with  foreign  manufactures. 
As  soon  as  the  times  become  somewhat  more  tranquil,  we. 


338  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

too,  will  have  need  of  goods  of  that  sort,  for  not  long  since 
all  the  jewels  of  our  house  were  stolen.*  But  I  tell  you,  Master 
Dusnaek,  we  shall  only  buy  such  things  as  have  been  designed 
and  executed  at  home.  Therefore  exert  yourself,  and  procure 
good  workmen.  For  this  time  I  must  needs  content  myself 
with  foreign  wares  and  select  a  seal  ring.  I  therefore  take 
this  one  with  the  ruby,  and  you  must  engrave  our  country's 
coat  of  arms  upon  it  without  delay." 

"  Your  highness's  orders  shall  be  obeyed,"  replied  the 
jeweler  respectfully.  "  Does  your  highness  merely  wish  the 
coat  of  arms  upon  the  seal,  or  would  you  like  a  motto  added?  " 

"  Yes,  master,  a  motto  shall  be  added,  to  run  thus,  '  Lord, 
make  known  to  me  the  way  in  which  I  should  go.'  Will  you 
write  it  down,  master,  that  you  may  not  forget  it?  " 

"  Your  Electoral  Highness,  it  is  not  necessary,  for  you 
have  impressed  it  on  my  heart." 

"  Go  then,  master,  and  inscribe  it  for  me  right  plainly  on 
the  stone." 

The  Elector  turned  to  Baron  Leuchtmar  von  Kalkhun 
as  soon  as  the  jeweler  had  taken  his  departure,  saying,  "  Now 
for  you,  friend,  and  our  plans  of  government." 

*  In  the  year  1638  a  ship,  on  board  of  which  were  all  the  Electoral 
jewels  to  the  amount  of  sixty  thousand  gulden,  was  plundered  by  a  de- 
tachment from  the  corps  of  General  Monticuculi,  and  all  the  jewels  ab- 
stracted. Count  Schwarzenberg  had  three  officers  concerned  in  it  ar- 
rested, and  carried  to  Spandow  for  trial.  Although  the  Emperor  himself 
desired  the  release  of  the  imperial  officers,  the  Stadtholder  not  only  re- 
fused this,  but  even  subjected  the  three  officers  to  the  torture,  in  order 
to  extort  from  them  a  confession  of  the  place  where  the  jewels  had  been 
hid.  But  they  confessed  nothing,  meanwhile  remaining  in  confinement 
until  the  Elector  Frederick  William  restored  to  them  their  freedom. 
Vide  von  Orlich,  The  Great  Elector,  vol.  i,  p.  53. 


PLANS  FOR  THE  FUTURE.  339 


II. — Plans  foe  the  Future. 

"  Yes,  friend,  I  want  to  discuss  government  affairs  with 
yau,"  continued  the  Elector,  with  a  faint  smile,  sinking  back 
in  the  armchair  before  the  writing  table.  "  Sit  down,  Leucht- 
mar,  quite  close  to  me,  for  I  shall  now  disclose  to  you  what 
no  other  mortal  ear  must  hear;  I  shall  reveal  to  you  my 
thoughts  and  plans.  Man  is,  after  all,  but  a  weak  and  tender 
creature,  and  it  is  a  necessity  with  him  to  have  some  trusted 
soul  on  whom  he  can  rely  for  sympathy,  and  to  whom  he  can 
tell  all  that  moves  his  inner  being.  To  me,  Leuchtmar,  you 
are  that  trusted  soul,  and  in  this  hour  I  will  make  known  to 
you  the  inmost  recesses  of  my  heart.  You  shall  learn  who  I 
am,  what  I  think,  and  what  are  my  aspirations,  that  you  may 
always  comprehend  and  appreciate  me,  standing  with  ever- 
ready  succor  at  my  side.  For  I  hope  you  have  no  engage- 
ments elsewhere,  and  from  this  moment  enter  my  service?  " 

"  I  have  hitherto  lived  in  quiet  and  retirement  at  Cologne 
on  the  Rhine,  waiting  for  the  hour  which  should  summon  me 
to  my  gracious  master's  presence,  for  you  are  the  only  Sover- 
eign upon  earth  whom  I  would  serve,  and  to  you  belong  my 
being,  thoughts,  and  all  that  in  me  is  of  energy  and  skill." 

"  I  have  counted  on  you,  Leuchtmar,  and  well  I  knew  that 
my  reliance  would  not  be  in  vain.  You  must  aid  and  sustain 
me,  for  I  stand  in  urgent  need  of  wise  friends,  of  diligent, 
faithful  workers,  in  order  to  gain  the  goal  which  I  have  placed 
before  me  in  the  future,  and  to  execute  the  schemes  which 
I  have  planned.  In  the  first  place,  Leuchtmar,  do  you  know 
properly  who  I  am?  " 

"  Yes,  your  highness,"  replied  Leuchtmar,  smiling.  "  I 
think  I  know  right  well.  You  are  the  youthful  hero,  the 
Hercules  to  whom  the  gods  have  committed  the  twelve  diffi- 
cult tasks,  that  he  may  prove  himself  a  demi-god,  and  who 
now  begins  his  work  with  the  zeal  of  courage  and  the  inspira- 
tion of  faith." 

"  The  comparison  may  be  slightly  applicable,"  said  the 
Elector,  "  and  as  far  as  the  Augean  stable  is  concerned.  I,  too, 
have  my  stable  to  cleanse;  only  it  belongs  not  to  Augias,  but 


340  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

to  Schwarzenberg.  Still,  I  will  try  to  purify  it.  But  I  must 
set  about  my  undertaking  with  dexterous  hands;  of  that,  how- 
ever, let  us  speak  hereafter.  I  shall  first  consider  your  simile, 
drawn  from  the  story  of  Hercules.  Do  you  know,  Leuchtmar, 
the  names  of  my  twelve  tasks,  and  their  extent?  I  ask  you 
once  more,  do  you  know  who  I  am,  or,  rather,  what  my  name 
is?  Look,  there  lies  the  document  which  I  am  just  on  the 
point  of  sending  to  my  good  subjects,  and  by  means  of  which 
I  shall  notify  them  of  my  assumption  of  the  reins  of  govern- 
ment.   Just  read  the  heading,  Leuchtmar." 

Leuchtmar  took  the  paper  handed  him  and  read:  " '  We, 
Frederick  William,  Marquis  of  Brandenburg,  Lord  High 
Chancellor  and  Elector  of  the  Holy  Koman  Empire,  Duke  of 
Prussia,  Julich,  Cleves,  Stettin,  Pomerania,  Cassuben,  and 
Vandalia,  as  also  Duke  of  Silesia,  Croatia,  and  Jagerndorf, 
Burgrave  of  Nuremberg,  Prince  of  Rugen,  Count  of  Mark- 
berg  and  Ravensberg,  Baron  of  Ravenstein.' " 

"  Enough!  "  cried  the  Elector.  "  You  have  now  read  the 
outlines  of  my  Herculean  task,  you  now  know  who  I  am.  A 
Prince  of  long  titles,  not  one  of  which  has  its  foundation  in 
truth  and  reality.  And  this  is  my  Herculean  task,  to  make 
these  titles  real,  and  to  give  a  good  kernel  to  these  empty  nut 
shells.  Look,  Leuchtmar,  there  is  a  map.  Let  us  examine 
it  and  compare  it  with  my  titles,  for  it  is  a  map  corresponding 
finely  with  these  titles,  and  on  which  all  the  counties  and 
provinces  pertaining  to  them  are  designated.  Marquis  of 
Brandenburg,  that  is  my  first  title,  and  you  would  naturally 
suppose  that  this,  at  least,  was  veritable,  for  the  Mark  is  the 
oldest  possession  of  our  house,  and  my  ancestor,  the  Bur- 
grave  Frederick  von  Nuremberg,  was  invested  with  it  by  the 
Emperor.  But  what  do  I  obtain  from  the  Mark?  Friend 
and  foe  have  quartered  there,  until  they  have  changed  it  into 
a  desert;  famine  and  pestilence  hold  sway  there,  and  the 
despairing  inhabitants  have  left  their  fields  untilled  and  wan- 
der about  shelterless  and  hungry.  The  only  prosperous  man 
there,  possessed  of  power  and  consideration,  is  the  Stadt- 
holder  in  the  Mark,  Count  Adam  von  Schwarzenberg.  The 
Mark  suffers  and  groans,  but  he  is  of  glad  heart,  and  the  dis- 
tress of  the  people  touches  him  not.    What  cares  he  for  land 


PLANS  FOR  THE  FUTURE.  34I 

or  people,  save  in  so  far  as  they  condvico  to  the  furtherance  of 
his  own  ends,  and  do  you  know  what  those  ends  are?  " 

"  He  is  an  ImperiaHst  and  a  strict  CathoHc,"  said  Leuclit- 
mar,  "  and  it  must  be  confessed  that  he  would  rather  see  the 
whole  Mark  go  to  destruction  than  behold  it  Protestant  and 
independent." 

"'  Yes,  he  has  let  the  Mark  Brandenburg  go  to  destruc- 
tion! "  cried  the  Elector,  with  flashing  eyes.  "  Catholic  and 
Imperialist  he  would  have  it.  And  I  can  not  reach  him,  he 
knows  very  well  that  I  must  spare  him,  and  that  he,  the  power- 
ful, opposes  me,  the  powerless.  To  him  have  the  commandants 
of  the  fortresses  and  the  soldiers  sworn  allegiance;  the  Em- 
peror protects  him,  and  would  esteem  it  an  act  of  rebellion 
against  imperial  majesty  itself  if  I  were  to  depose  Schwarzen- 
berg  from  office.  It  would  be  a  departure  from  the  course 
pursued  by  the  Mark  for  twenty  years  past,  for,  since  Schwarz- 
enberg  has  flourished  as  Stadtholder,  the  Emperor  has  been 
the  real  lord  of  the  Mark,  and  not  an  order  nor  rescript  ever 
issued  from  my  father's  cabinet  to  which  the  Emperor  had 
not  given  his  consent,  or  of  which  he  had  not  previous  knowl- 
edge. I  must  therefore  for  the  present  still  suffer  Schwarzen- 
berg  to  be  lord  of  the  Mark,  for  I  have  not  power  to  defy  the 
Emperor  and  call  down  upon  myself  his  rage.  The  Lord 
High  Chancellor  and  Elector  of  the  Holy  Eoman  Empire 
must  for  the  present  bow  humbly  to  the  Emperor,  and  submit 
in  silence  to  the  evils  of  his  lot.  My  duchy  of  Pomerania  the 
Swedes  have  appropriated  to  themselves,  and  I  can  not,  as  I 
should  like,  wrest  it  from  them  by  force  of  arms,  for  I  have 
no  weapons,  no  soldiers,  no  army;  I  must  now  try  to  come 
to  an  amicable  understanding  with  them,  and,  if  possible, 
make  peace  with  tliera.  In  Julich  and  Cleves  I  am  duke, 
too,  as  my  title  vouches,  but  to  be  so  really  I  must  first  rescue 
these  countries  from  the  Dutch,  and  then  be  able  to  defend 
them  against  the  cupidity  of  France.  And  my  duchies  of 
Silesia,  Croatia,  and  Jagerndorf?  The  Emperor  has  taken 
possession  of  them  as  if  they  were  his  own  fiefs,  and  ho  will 
be  little  likely  to  restore  them  to  the  powerless  Elector  of 
Brandenburg.  Neither  will  the  Saxons  easily  relinquish  to 
the  weak  Elector  Magdeburg  and  Ilalberstadt,  which  coun- 


342  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

ties  they  hold  enthralled.     Alas!  Leuchtmar,  you  see  of  ali 
my  vast  possessions  I  only  retain  the  empty  titles." 

"  But  one  country  your  highness  has  omitted  in  your 
enumeration,  and  there,  undoubtedly,  you  are  undisputed 
Sovereign,  no  enemy  having  supplanted  you  in  this  land. 
You  are  Duke  of  Prussia,  and  there,  at  least,  ruler  also! " 

"  Yes,  I  am  Duke  of  Prussia — that  is  to  say,  if  King  Wlad- 
islaus  of  Poland  will  condescend  to  invest  me  with  this  duchy, 
and  allow  me  to  go  to  Warsaw,  humbly  to  kneel  to  swear  al- 
legiance to  him,  and  acknowledge  myself  one  of  his  vassals. 
Until  he  has  done  so,  I  am  not  the  legalized  ruler  even  here  in 
Prussia,  and  the  King  of  Poland  will  already  consider  it  as 
an  infringement  upon  his  supremacy  that  I  have  not  forth- 
with dismissed  the  Prussian  chamber  of  deputies,  which  held 
its  sitting  in  my  father's  lifetime,  but  allowed  it  to  prolong  its 
session.  There,  too,  as  at  the  imperial  court,  I  must  give 
fair  words,  must  show  myself  humble  and  obedient,  so  as  not 
to  excite  untimely  enmity  against  myself,  and  rouse  the 
mighty  against  the  weak.  For  what  refuge  would  remain 
to  me,  or  where  would  I  find  support,  if  the  Emperor  of  Ger- 
many and  the  King  of  Poland  should  threaten  me  with  their 
enmity?  " 

"  I  should  think  the  Swedes  would  be  delighted  to  have 
your  highness  for  an  ally,  to  stand  with  them  against  the 
Emperor  and  the  German  Empire,  and  the  States-General, 
too,  Avould  gladly  give  you  the  right  hand  of  confederation." 

"  Oh,  yes,  the  Swedes  would  gladly  accept  me  as  their 
ally,  provided  that  I  would  voluntarily  resign  to  them  Pom- 
erania  and  Eiigen,  renouncing  all  claim  to  these  lands;  and 
the  States  would  gladly  extend  to  me  the  right  hand  of  fel- 
lowship, only  I  must  have  first  laid  down  in  this  hand  the 
duchies  of  Cleves  and  Julich  as  an  offering  of  friendship! 
But  such  a  thing  would  I  never  do,  and  never  shall  I  peaceably 
resign  the  smallest  strip  of  land  that  should  be  mine  to  pur- 
chase thereby  repose  for  myself.  Up  to  this  time  I  have  en- 
joyed only  the  title  to  my  lands,  but  it  must  and  shall  be  now 
the  purpose  of  my  whole  life  to  substantiate  these  claims,  and 
not  merely  to  conquer  back  what  is  my  own,  but,  an'  it  please 
God,  to  enlarge  my  territories  and  give  to  them  unity  and 


PLANS  FOR  THE  FUTURE.  343 

compactness.  I  am  now  a  Prince  only  by  my  armorial  bear- 
ings, but  I  will  be  a  veritable  Prince.  I  now  wear  only  tho 
most  delapidated  semblance  of  a  Prince's  mantle,  inflated  by 
hollow  wind,  but  I  shall  change  it  into  a  purple  mantle,  such 
as  no  German  Prince  would  be  ashamed  of,  which  every  one 
in  the  German  Empire  shall  respect,  yea,  even  the  Emperor 
himself." 

"  And  you  will  gain  your  end,"  cried  Leuchtmar,  "  yes, 
you  will  gain  it.  It  stands  written  on  your  lofty  brow,  it 
shines  forth  from  your  fiery  eyes,  and  is  spoken  by  every  fea- 
ture of  your  noble,  energetic  face.  You  will  gain  your  end. 
From  the  confusion  and  chaos  of  the  present  times  you  will 
emerge  as  a  distinguished,  mighty  Prince;  out  of  nothing- 
ness and  disorder  you  will  construct  a  powerful  state,  and 
to  your  towering  titles  give  a  firm  basis  of  strength  and 
truth!  " 

"Amen!  God  grant  it!  "  said  Frederick  William,  piously 
lifting  his  large  eyes  to  Heaven.  "  It  seems  now,  indeed,  as 
if  it  were  an  unattainable  goal,"  he  continued,  after  a  pause, 
"  and  to  no  one  else  would  I  confess  it,  for  I  would  only  be- 
come the  scorn  and  derision  of  my  enemies." 

"  But  the  delight  of  your  friends!  "  cried  Leuchtmar, 
deeply  moved,  "  the  invigorator  and  uplifter  of  your  friends!  " 

"  Friends,  say  you?  Where  are  my  friends?  Look  abroad 
throughout  the  whole  German  Empire,  the  whole  of  Europe, 
and  then  tell  me  where  my  friends  are.  I  have  not  even 
friends  in  my  next-door  neighbors,  not  even  in  my  nearest 
relations!  Yes,  were  I  rich  and  influential,  had  I  protection 
to  give  and  benefits  to  dispense,  then  would  the  Princes  far 
and  near  gladly  bethink  themselves  of  the  claims  of  con- 
sanguinity, and  overwhelm  me  with  civilities  and  attentions. 
But  I  am  powerless,  and  they  dread  lest  I  should  need  their 
protection  and  their  influence;  therefore  are  they  forgetful 
of  family  ties!  But  they  shall  find  themselves  mistaken  in 
me,  my  dear  relatives!  They  shall  be  forced  some  day  to  ac- 
knowledge that  the  Elector  of  Brandenburg  is  self-sustain- 
ing, and  stands  erect  without  the  aid  of  foreign  supports. 
You  look  at  me  doubtfully,  and  perhaps  think  me  a  braggart, 
promising  great  things  which  I  may  never  be  able  to  perform? 


344  THE  HEm  TO  THE  THRONE. 

It  would  seem  so,  indeed,  now,  for  where  are  the  means  for 
accomplishing  such  aims?  Wretched  and  in  the  process  of 
dissolution  is  all  about  me,  nowhere  do  I  see  determined 
friends,  efficient  followers!  " 

"  Oh,  gracious  sir,  in  that  you  go  too  far!  You  know  your- 
self how  much  Schwarzenberg  is  hated  in  all  your  territories, 
how  ardently  all  patriots  long  for  his  deposition  from  the 
government;  for  the  league  with  the  Emperor  is  detestable 
to  everybody,  and  fear  of  Catholic  domination  and  desire  for 
the  Swedish  alliance  prevail  among  all  your  subjects." 

"  Yes,"  cried  the  Elector,  "  adherents  of  Sweden  there 
are  in  my  dominions,  and  Schwarzenberg  has  indeed  opponents 
enough.  But  he  has  friends  as  well,  whom  he  has  purchased 
with  his  good  money  and  his  protection.  But  tell  me,  where 
is  an  Electoral  party,  one  deserving  the  name  by  its  unity  and 
determination,  a  party  which  looks  not  to  the  right  or  left, 
but  straight  ahead  in  the  direction  that  I  shall  take?  The 
old  friends  of  my  house  are  dispersed,  hunted  into  banish- 
ment, exiled,  or  dead;  on  whom  else  could  I  depend?  All 
positions  in  the  army  and  government,  all  offices  has  Schwarz- 
enberg filled  with  his  own  creatures;  and  should  I  venture  to 
step  in  their  way,  and  endeavor  to  effect  their  and  his  ruin, 
I  might  easily  come  to  ruin  myself.  In  what  direction,  then, 
can  I  look  for  help?  " 

"  To  yourself,  most  noble  sir,  to  your  own  mind  and 
heart!  "  cried  Leuchtmar,  with  enthusiasm. 

"  It  is  as  you  say,  I  should  be  a  fool  were  I  to  seek  pro- 
tection elsewhere.  Protection  from  the  Emperor,  the  em- 
pire, Poland?  Protection  from  comrades  in  the  faith  or  blood 
relations?  My  empire  is  within  myself,  and  by  God's  help 
the  foundations  shall  be  laid!  '  Man  forges  his  own  fortunes.' 
That  is  a  good  old  proverb.  Well,  I  will  try  to  be  a  good  smith. 
I  have  played  anvil  long  enough,  and  hard  enough  have  been 
the  blows  dealt  me  by  Count  Schwarzenberg.  I  shall  now 
try  being  the  fist  that  guides  the  hammer,  and  I  think  I  have 
a  tolerably  strong  fist,  that  will  be  able  so  to  wield  the  hammer 
as  to  fashion  for  myself  a  worthy  scepter." 

"  A  great  and  noble  task  has  God  committed  to  your  high- 
ness," said  Leuchtmar;  "  to  you  is  it  given  to  create  your  own 


PLANS  FOR  THE  FUTURE.  345 

state,  and  what  you  shall  be  hereafter  you  will  owe  to  your 
own  powers." 

"  And  to  the  assistance  of  true  servants,  tried  friends  and 
followers!  "  cried  the  Elector,  cordially  extending  his  hand 
to  his  faithful  counselor,  "  although  now  I  only  know  two 
men  on  whom  I  can  rely — yourself  and  Burgsdorf.  But  to- 
gether we  form  no  contemptible  trio,  and  I  am  confident  that 
great  results  will  follow  our  efforts,  and,  in  order  that  you 
may  see  what  I  am  projecting,  tarry  here  while  I  call  in  old 
Burgsdorf." 

With  alert  step  the  Elector  moved  to  the  door  and  opened 
it.  "  Colonel  von  Burgsdorf!  "  he  cried,  then  turned,  strode 
through  the  cabinet  and  seated  himself  in  the  armchair  be- 
fore liis  father's  writing  table. 

In  the  door  of  the  entrance  hall  now  appeared  Colonel 
von  Burgsdorf,  his  broad,  red  face  wearing  an  embarrassed 
expression.  Standing  still  in  the  doorway,  he  looked  across 
at  the  Elector,  who,  his  back  half  turned,  seemed  to  take  no 
notice  of  his  approach. 

"  'No  doubt,"  said  Burgsdorf  to  himself,  "  he  has  had  me 
summoned  in  order  to  give  me  my  discharge;  he  has  not  yet 
forgotten  how  desperate  I  was  in  the  year  '38.  It  is  over  with 
you,  Conrad,  and  you  can  go  home,  because,  like  the  old  ass 
that  you  are,  in  sooth,  you  uttered  aloud  the  pent-up  agony 
of  your  soul! " 

But  while  he  was  talking  thus  to  himself  with  deep  resent- 
ment, his  countenance  expressed  nothing  but  devotion  and 
anxiety;  in  humble,  soldierly  attitude  he  stood  in  the  door. 
The  Elector  had  his  eyes  fixed  upon  some  papers  lying  pn 
the  table  before  him,  and  seemed  absorbed  in  their  perusal. 
Leuchtmar  at  last  ventured  to  accost  him. 

"  Gracious  sir,"  he  said  softly,  "  Colonel  von  Burgsdorf, 
whom  you  called,  has  come  in  and  is  waiting  for  your 
orders." 

"  He  is  waiting!  "  cried  the  Elector.  "  Then  I  shall  cer- 
tainly have  to  ask  his  pardon  in  the  end,  for  well  I  know  that 
Colonel  Burgsdorf  does  not  understand  waiting." 

"  Without  doubt,"  repeated  Burgsdorf  to  himself,  "  he 
has  summoned  me  merely  to  give  me  my  discharge." 


346  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

"  Colonel  von  Burgsdorf !  "  now  cried  the  Elector,  turning 
half  toward  him  with  grave,  severe  countenance,  "  just  tell 
me  how  strong  was  the  regiment  which  you  enlisted  for  the 
Electoral  army  last  year?  " 

"  Most  gracious  sir,  I  enlisted  two  thousand  four  hundred 
men." 

"  That  is  to  say,"  cried  the  Elector  sternly,  "  you  obtained 
the  bounty  money  for  recruiting  two  thousand  four  himdred 
men;  hut  I  would  he  glad  to  learn  of  you  how  many  of  those 
men  actually  existed." 

"  Your  highness,"  stammered  Burgsdorf  in  confusion,  "  I 
do  not  understand  what  your  grace  means.  If  I  obtained 
bounty  money  for  two  thousand  four  hundred  men,  they  cer- 
tainly existed." 

"  So  one  would  suppose,  indeed,"  replied  the  Elector; 
"  yet  it  can  not  have  been,  for  before  me  lies  a  letter  from 
Count  Schwarzenberg  to  my  father,  and  only  hear  what  the 
Stadtholder  in  the  Mark  writes.  Leuchtmar,  come  here  please 
and  read." 

Leuchtmar  hastened  forward,  and,  taking  the  paper  which 
the  Elector  held  out  to  him,  read:  "  '  It  is  to  be  lamented  that 
the  officers  contrive  to  pocket  so  much  press  money  and 
hardly  produce  one  out  of  every  six  men  said  to  have  been 
enlisted.  Colonel  von  Kehrdorf  received  pay  and  rations 
for  twelve  hundred  men,  and  yet  had  not  over  eighty; 
General  von  Klitzing's  regiment  ought  to  be  two  thousand 
strong,  and  in  reality  numbers  only  six  hundred;  Colonel 
Conrad  von  Burgsdorf  gives  out  that  he  has  two  thousand 
four  hundred  recruits,  and  there  are  not  quite  six  hundred 
of  them.' " 

"  That  is  a  lie — a  base  lie!  "  cried  Burgsdorf,  whose  face 
was  purple  with  passion.  "  The  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark  has 
always  been  my  enemy  and  opponent,  and  if  he  maintains 
that  I  only  enlisted  six  hundred  men " 

"  He  maintains  something  quite  untrue,"  inten-upted  the 
Elector;  "  but  he  maintains  no  such  thing.  You  interrupted 
Leuchtmar;  let  him  read  to  the  end,  and  hear  the  conclusion." 
Leuchtmar  read  on :  "  '  And  if  you  pick  perhaps  two  hundred 
able-bodied  men  out  of  the  six  hundred,  there  remain  four 


PLANS  FOR  THE   FUTURE.  347 

hundred  feeble,  sickly  fellows,  who  would  fall  down  like  dead 
flies  on  the  very  first  march.'  "  * 

"  You  see  that  Schwarzenberg  does  not  maintain  that  you 
enlisted  six  hundred  able-bodied  men." 

"  Your  liighness!  "  cried  Burgsdorf,  trembling  with  pas- 
sion, "  this  I  see,  that  you  have  had  me  called  here  in  order 
to  dismiss  me,  to  banish  me  forever  from  your  presence — and 
yet  I  have  served  you  so  faithfully,  and  have  always  hoped  that 
you  would  forgive  me." 

"  Forgive?  "  asked  the  Elector.  "  Had  I  anything  to  for- 
give in  you?  " 

"  Most  gracious  sir,  that  time  after  your  return  from  The 
Hague  I  let  my  old  heart  carry  me  away;  it  was  wholly 
wild  and  ungovernable  and  forgot  the  deference  due  your 
grace." 

"  Ah,  I  remember  now,"  said  the  Elector,  gently  nod- 
ding his  head.  ''  That  time  when  you  wanted  to  make  a  revo- 
lution and  required  me  to  place  myself  at  your  head.  You 
wanted  to  make  of  the  poor  little  Electoral  Prince  a  mighty 
rebel,  and  were  even  so  kind  as  to  promise  that  when  vrith 
your  help  he  had  crushed  Schwarzenberg  he  should  become 
ills  father's  prime  minister  and  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark." 

"  Your  highness,"  cried  Burgsdorf  indignantly,  "  those 
were  well-meant  schemes,  and  originated  in  the  excess  of  our 
love  for  you." 

"  Only,  if  I  had  adopted  them,  my  father  would  have  easily 
subdued  the  princely  rebel  with  the  Emperor's  support.  The 
Stadtholder  in  the  Mark  would  then  have  had  the  pleasure 
of  seeing  upon  the  scaffold  the  Prince  who  had  dared  rebel 
against  his  own  father,  as  befell  Prince  Carlos  of  Spain,  when 
he  revolted  against  Ins  father,  King  Philip.  I  thought  a  little 
about  that  unhappy,  misguided  Prince,  and  profited  by  his 
example.  You  probably  did  not  think  of  him,  Burgsdorf, 
and  fell  into  a  great  rage.  I  am  glad  you  remember  that  day, 
for  actually  I  had  forgotten  it." 

"  Most  gracious  sir,  I  would  like  to  bite  out  my  own  tongue 
and  swallow  it,"  screamed  Burgsdorf,  raving.  "  I  am  a  genu- 
ine old  ass,  and  you  do  well  to  dismiss  me  forthwith;  for  I 

*  Drovsen,  Ilistorv  of  Prussian  Politics,  p.  180. 
23 


348  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

deserve  nothing  better,  and  am  served  quite  right.  Just  speak 
out  at  once,  your  highness.    I  am  discharged,  am  I  not?  " 

"  Quietly,  Burgsdorf !  "  commanded  the  Elector  sternly. 
"  I  am  no  longer  the  Electoral  Prince  at  whom  you  can 
Bcold  and  bluster,  as  you  did  that  time  in  the  palace  of 
Berlin." 

"  You  always  go  back  to  the  old  story,"  groaned  Burgs- 
dorf. 

"  And  you,"  said  Frederick  William,  "  you  are  just  as  im- 
patient as  you  were  then.  You  cried  murder  and  death,  be- 
cause the  Electoral  Prince  would  not  do  your  will!  I  told 
you — I  remember  that  very  well  now — I  told  you  that  I  would 
learn  and  wait.  I  begged  you  to  do  the  same  and  wait  also. 
But  you,  you  would  not  wait;  you  cried  out  that  you  had 
already  waited  twenty  years,  and  that  now  your  patience  was 
exhausted.  You  had  no  compassion  on  the  youth  of  eighteen 
years,  who  had  Just  come  out  of  a  foreign  land,  and  hardly 
knew  how  to  distinguish  friend  from  foe  because  he  was  not 
acquainted  with  the  condition  of  things.  And  yet  you  were 
already  old  and  in  your  twenty  years  of  waiting  ought  to  have 
learned  a  little  prudence!  But  you  had  learned  nothing  at 
all  and  could  not  wait,  and  gave  me  up  with  wild  impatience 
because  I  would  not  be  guilty  of  criminal  disrespect  toward 
my  father." 

"  Most  gracious  sir,  you  cut  me  to  the  quick!  Each  of 
your  words  is  a  dagger  aimed  right  at  my  heart.  Let  me  go; 
let  it  bleed  in  solitude  and  retirement." 

And  old  von  Burgsdorf  turned  and  went  to  the  door. 

"  Stay  there!  "  called  out  the  Elector  in  commanding  tone, 
arising  from  his  seat  and  standing  proudly  erect.  Burgsdorf, 
who  had  just  laid  his  hand  upon  the  door  latch,  let  it  glide 
down,  and  stood  abashed  and  humble. 

"  You  gave  me  up  and  forsook  me  that  time  in  Berlin," 
continued  Frederick  William,  "  scolded  and  upbraided  me, 
merely  because  I  wished  to  learn  and  wait.  That  proves  to 
me  that  you  have  never  learned  and  never  waited.  Learn  now, 
Colonel  Conrad  von  Burgsdorf.  Withdraw  into  that  window 
recess,  and  wait  until  I  speak  to  you  again  and  tell  you  my  de- 
cision with  regard  to  you."    And  once  more  the  Elector  opened 


DIPLOMATIC  MISSIONS.  349 

the  door  of  the  antechamber  and  called  Chamberlain  Werner 
von  Schulenburg  into  his  cabinet. 


in. — Diplomatic  Missions. 

"  Schulenburg,"  said  the  Elector  to  the  advancing  cham- 
berlain, "  you  will  set  out  immediately.  Go  to  Berlin  and  in- 
form the  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark,  Count  von  Schwarzenberg, 
of  my  father's  death.  Announce  to  his  excellency  that  it  is 
my  urgent  and  pressing  request,  that  he  continue  to  burden 
himself  with  the  duties  of  the  Stadtholdersliip." 

An  involuntary  growl  issued  from  the  window  where 
Burgsdorf  was  stationed.  The  Elector  took  no  notice  of  it, 
and  proceeded:  "  Moreover,  request  the  Stadtholder  in  my 
name  to  write  to  me  immediately,  advising  me  what  to  do 
with  regard  to  the  Eegensburg  Diet,  because  we  can  not  now 
with  the  required  dispatch  rightly  apprehend  and  maturely 
consider  the  matter  on  account  of  our  great  affliction.* 

A  second  growl  issued  from  the  window,  and  called  a 
slight,  passing  smile  to  Frederick  "William's  face. 

"  Then,"  continued  the  Elector,  "  notify  the  Stadtholder 
that  I  shall  be  glad  to  retain  the  present  governors  and  garri- 
sons of  the  forts;  but  that  it  would  please  me  if  we  could 
inflict  some  injury  upon  the  enemy  at  one  place  or  the  other; 
but,  mindful  of  his  hitherto  glorious  and  successful  manage- 
ment, I  feel  that  I  need  only  direct  his  attention  in  a  special 
manner  to  the  fortresses." 

Old  Burgsdorf's  growl  now  became  almost  a  shriek  of 
pain.    "  It  is  unheard  of,"  he  said,  in  quite  an  audible  voice. 

With  a  proud  movement  of  the  head  the  Elector  turned 
to  him.  "  Burgsdorf,"  he  said,  "  you  were  to  learn  to  wait; 
be  silent,  then,  as  becomes  an  humble  scholar." 

Again  the  Elector  turned  to  the  chamberlain.  "  That  is 
all  I  have  to  say  to  you,  Schulenburg.    I  hope  you  have  for- 

*  The  Elector's  own  words.  Vide  Droysen,  History  of  Prussian  Poli- 
tics, vol.  iii,  p.  220. 


350  THE   HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

gotten  nothing,  and  that  you  will  punctiliously  execute  every 
command." 

"  1  trust  that  your  highness  is  convinced  of  my  zeal  and 
fidelity,"  replied  the  chamberlain,  bowing  reverentially.  "  I 
shall  punctiliously  execute  all  your  orders,  and  have  only  to 
ask  further  when  I  am  to  set  off?  " 

"  Immediately,"  said  the  Elector,  "  and  travel  post  haste. 
Farewell!  But  hark!  Schulenburg,  you  have  obtained  my 
official  dispatches,  now  I  shall  add  a  little  private  errand. 
When  you  have  communicated  all  this  to  the  Stadtholder, 
exactly  as  directed,  then  converse  a  little  with  him  in  the  most 
friendly  manner,  and  in  the  course  of  conversation,  as  if  of 
your  own  accord,  sound  Count  Schwarzenberg  as  to  his  in- 
clination to  pay  us  a  speedy  visit  in  Prussia,  the  better  to  con- 
sult with  us  concerning  the  onerous  duties  of  the  adminis- 
tration. Then  ask  him  casually,  but  in  quite  an  innocent 
manner,  whom  he  would  recommend  meanwhile  as  his  sub- 
stitute.* And  now,  God  speed  you,  Schulenburg,  go  and 
carry  out  all  my  orders  to  the  letter.  As  you  pass  out,  send 
in  to  me  the  two  gentlemen  waiting  in  the  antechamber." 

With  a  condescending  nod  of  the  head,  he  offered  his 
hand  to  the  chamberlain,  who  pressed  it  fervently  to  his  lips, 
and  then  left  the  cabinet  with  hasty  steps. 

"  And  now  for  you,  gentlemen,"  cried  the  Elector,  advan- 
cing a  few  paces  to  meet  Herr  von  Kreytz  and  Herr  von  Kos- 
poth,  who  were  just  entering  the  cabinet.  "  I  have  an  impor- 
tant commission  to  intrust  to  both  of  you.  You  are  both  to 
proceed  to  Poland  and  announce  my  father's  death  to  King 
Wladislaus.  That  is  your  affair  specially,  John  von  Kospoth. 
You  know  how  to  frame  courteous  speeches,  and  will  inform 
the  King  that  my  father  (peace  be  to  his  ashes!)  has  not  been 
a  more  submissive  vassal  than  his  successor  Frederick  expects 
to  be;  you  will  tell  him  that  the  Dukes  of  Prussia  are  very 
faithful  and  obedient  servants  to  the  King  of  Poland,  and 
know  very  well  that  they  should  be  his  Majesty's  most  humble 
vassals." 

Again  a  passionate  murmur  proceeded  from  the  window, 
and  Burgsdorf's  flushed,  angry  countenance  appeared  between 

*  The  Elector's  own  words.    See  von  Orlich,  History  of  Prussia. 


DIPLOMATIC  MISSIONS.  351 

the  silk  curtains.     The  Elector  saw  this  by  a  furtive  glance, 
and  again  something  like  a  smile  passed  over  his  countenance. 

Turning  to  the  second  gentleman,  he  continued:  "  You, 
Wolfgang  von  Kreytz,  will  present  my  most  submissive  and 
respectful  greetings  to  the  King  of  Poland,  and  acquaint  him 
with  the  fact  that  I  take  my  predecessor's  place  as  duke  in 
the  dukedom  of  Prussia.  Inform  him  that  I  recognize  the 
King  as  lord  paramount,  and  humbly  sue  for  investiture. 
Tell  him  that  I  have  hitherto  forborne  to  perform  the  func- 
tions of  ruler,  and  committed  the  government  to  a  board  of 
regency,  and  am  meanwhile  striving  with  the  greatest  dili- 
gence to  acquire  a  knowledge  of  the  rights  and  privileges  of 
the  land.  Pay,  both  of  you,  the  most  polite  and  friendJy 
court  to  the  King  and  all  his  ministers.  Asseverate  every- 
where that  we  know  right  well  that  our  succession  in  Prussia 
depends  wholly  upon  the  King's  choice,  and  that  we  would 
naturally  desire  to  present  ourselves  in  person  and  swear  al- 
legiance to  his  Majesty.  And  after  you  have  impressed  all 
these  statements  fully  upon  his  mind,  add  that  to  our  deepest 
regret  we  can  not  come  immediately,  on  account  of  the  bad 
condition  of  our  hereditary  estates  and  manifold  business  per- 
taining to  the  Eoman  Empire,  which  Just  now  prevent  us  from 
undertaking  the  journey.  Then  petition  for  a  gracious  dis- 
pensation from  personal  attendance,  and  request  his  Majesty 
to  grant  a  written  order  for  the  feoffment.  Should  the  King 
make  known  to  you  through  his  counselors  that  he  will  not 
grant  this  written  order,  then  desire  a  private  audience  of 
the  King,  and  represent  to  him  that  we  have  been  forced  to 
assume  the  government,  and  deprecate  his  displeasure.  Wait 
also  upon  the  most  prominent  ministers,  and  represent  the 
same  thing  to  them.  By  your  eloquence  and  zeal  I  hope  that 
you  will  accompUsh  your  purpose,  and  bring  me  the  investi- 
ture.   To  this  end  spare  neither  flattery  nor  fair  words." 

"Most  gracious  sir,"  asked  John  von  Kospoth,  with  a 
meaning  smile,  "  but  if,  unfortunately,  flattery  and  fair  words 
prove  of  no  avail,  what  must  we  do  then?  " 

"  You  answer  that  question  for  me,  Wolfgang  von  Kreytz," 
said  the  Elector. 

"Most  gracious  sir,"  exclaimed  the  young  baron  spirit- 


352  TSE   HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

edly,  "  if  all  entreaties  and  persuasions  fail  to  move,  I  think 
it  will  be  time  to  assert  your  Electoral  dignity,  and  to  have 
recourse  to  a  little  threatening.  We  should  give  the  King  of 
Poland  to  understand  that  you  claim  the  succession  in  Prussia 
by  virtue  of  your  own  good  right;  that  your  father,  the  Elec- 
tor George  William,  undertook  the  government  before  the 
investiture,  and  that  you  will  defend  your  duchy  of  Prussia  with 
all  the  means  at  your  command,  and  will  never  give  it  up." 

"  Very  good,"  said  a  deep  voice  from  behind  the  window 
curtain. 

"  Do  you  mean  to  speak  so  too,  John  von  Kospoth?  "  asked 
the  Elector. 

"  If  flattery  and  persuasions  bring  forth  no  fruit,"  replied 
Kospoth,  "  it  would  be  a  satisfaction  to  me,  too,  to  threaten." 

"A  poor  satisfaction!"  cried  the  Elector,  "unless  we 
could  forthwith  follow  up  our  threat  by  action,  and  send  out 
our  regiments  to  declare  war!  No,  sirs,  if  you  try  in  vain  to 
bribe  with  fair  words,  then  we  must  resort  to  money!  Money 
is  also  a  weapon,  and,  if  report  speak  truly,  an  effective  one 
among  the  Polish  lords,  their  King  himself  respecting  it.  In 
extremity,  therefore,  if  you  can  not  go  forward  at  all,  then 
have  their  Majesties,  the  King  as  well  as  Queen,  notified,  by 
means  of  some  trusty  person,  that  if  we  obtain  the  grant  of 
the  government  on  the  spot,  and  have  no  difficulty  with  re- 
gard to  investiture,  we  shall  pay  to  both  their  Majesties,  as 
a  bonus,  the  sum  of  sixty  thousand  Polish  florins,  and  after- 
ward wait  upon  the  great  chancellor,  vice  chancellor,  and 
lord  high  chancellor,  salute  these  gentlemen  from  me,  and 
promise  each  one  of  them  ten  thousand  Polish  florins.  Take 
care,  though,  to  stipulate  for  some  time  to  be  allowed  us  for 
the  fulfillment  of  these  promises,  for  where  the  money  is  to 
come  from  is  as  yet  a  riddle  to  ourselves.  Such  is  my  com- 
mission, gentlemen.    Hasten  to  execute  it." 

"  And  now,"  exclaimed  the  Elector,  when  the  two  gentle- 
men had  left  the  cabinet,  "  now.  Colonel  von  Burgsdorf,  you 
have  received  your  first  lesson,  and  have  learned  to  wait  a 
little.  Come  forward  now;  I  have  something  to  say  to 
you." 

"  And  I,  sir,"  called  out  Burgsdorf,  as  he  rushed  forth 


DIPLOMATIC  MISSIONS.  353 

from  the  bay  window  and  threw  himself  on  his  knees  before 
the  Elector,  "  first  of  all,  I  have  something  to  say  to  you. 
Your  highness,  above  all  things  I  must  beg  your  pardon  from 
the  bottom  of  my  heart,  and  confess  to  you  the  evil  thoughts 
that  led  me  to  suppose  that  the  Elector  at  twenty  years  of 
age  did  not  understand  government  and  was  only  a  timid 
young  gentleman.  I  see  now  that  you  are  far  wiser  and  more 
prudent  than  the  old  fool  Burgsdorf,  and  that  you  have  learned 
more  in  your  twenty  years  than  will  ever  penetrate  my  thick 
skull.  You  are  a  great  statesman,  your  highness;  on  my 
knees  I  implore  your  pardon  for  having  doubted  you,  and 
beseech  you,  reject  me  not,  sir!  Forget  the  nonsense  I  gave 
utterance  to  that  time  at  Berlin,  and  take  the  old  broadsword 
into  your  service.  It  desires  nothing  better  than  to  be  worn 
out  in  your  service,  to  fly  out  of  its  scabbard  at  your  bidding 
and  slash  away  at  the  enemy." 

"  To  slash  away  at  the  enemy!  "  repeated  the  Elector. 
"  First  of  all,  stand  up,  old  colonel.  There,"  he  continued, 
smiling,  holding  out  his  hand  to  him,  "  I  must  help  you  a 
little,  for  your  old  limbs  have  grown  stiff  in  my  father's  serv- 
ice. And  now.  Just  tell  me,  old  broadsword,  what  you  think 
of  it.  How  will  you  attack  the  enemy  for  me  now?  Enemies 
enough  we  have,  indeed,  but  too  few  soldiers,  I  should  think, 
to  cope  with  them.  Or  tliink  you  that  we  could  soon  set  an 
army  on  foot?  Would  you  go  out  to  battlo  with  your  regi- 
ment of  two  thousand  six  hundred  men,  and  win  back  for 
me  my  contested  territories?  " 

"  I  beg  your  highness  not  to  speak  of  my  two  thousand 
six  hundred  men.  You  know  well  that  they  have  long  since 
melted  away,  because  there  was  no  money  wherewith  to  pay 
them." 

"  Well  then,"  said  the  Elector,  "  I  will  gratify  you  by  for- 
getting that  splendid  regiment,  and  by  no  longer  reminding 
you  of  the  things  that  were.  But  this  I  tell  you,  Burgsdorf, 
under  my  administration  everything  must  correspond,  and 
what  is  noted  down  on  paper  must  really  exist.  And  now 
we  shall  see  if  you  are  ac(|uainted  with  our  military  affairs." 

"  Alas!  most  noble  sir,"  sighed  Burgsdorf,  "  would  that 
I  did  not  know,  for  it  is  a  most  sorrowful  knowledge  to  an 


354  THE  HEIR  TO   THE   THRONE. 

old  soldier  and  in  a  most  distressing  condition  is  the  Branden- 
burg military  department." 

"  Yes,  indeed!  "  exclaimed  the  Elector.  "  The  knights 
no  longer  take  horse,  the  citizens  no  longer  care  to  defend 
their  towns  and  gates,  the  States  refuse  to  pay  subsidies  for 
the  support  of  the  army,  and  our  coffers  are  exhausted.  It 
is  no  wonder  if  there  can  be  no  talk  of  an  army.  How  much 
infantry  and  cavalry  have  we  in  all,  Burgsdorf  ?  " 

"  Most  gracious  sir,"  sighed  the  colonel,  "  in  the  Mark  and 
Prussia  together  we  have  not  more  than  twenty  companies  of 
infantry,  allowing  a  hundred  and  twenty-five  men  to  each." 

"  That  would  make  two  thousand  five  hundred  men,"  said 
the  Elector — "  a  small  nucleus  for  an  army,  truly;  but  some- 
thing, nevertheless,  provided  that  these  men  are  attached  to 
me,  and  owe  fealty  to  none  besides  myself." 

"  But  that  is  just  our  misfortune,"  said  Burgsdorf;  "  these 
men  have  sworn  allegiance  not  only  to  you,  but  to  the  Em- 
peror's Majesty.  They  were  enlisted  in  the  Emperor's  name, 
and  carry  the  imperial  banner." 

"  Ah!  "  cried  the  Elector,  "  I  see  you  know  how  it  is,  Con- 
rad von  Burgsdorf,  and  understand  the  difficulties  of  the  posi- 
tion in  which  we  find  ourselves.  Yes,  the  regiments  of  the 
Elector  of  Brandenburg  have  given  oath  to  the  Emperor,  and 
the  Emperor's  banners  wave  above  our  forts.  All  my  officers 
serve  the  Emperor  first!  Tell  me,  Burgsdorf,  are  you  your- 
self not  in  the  Emperor's  service?  Have  you  not  a  regiment 
in  the  imperial  army,  although  you  are  governor  of  Kiistrin, 
and  therefore  under  my  command?  " 

"  That  is  so,"  replied  Burgsdorf.  "  I  could  not  refuse  the 
imperial  regiment  because  it  was  such  a  lucrative  post,  and 
the  governorship  paid  me  hardly  anything.  The  emoluments 
for  heading  the  imperial  regiment  were  more  in  one  year  than 
I  would  have  gained  in  twenty  years  from  my  Brandenburg 
post.    Necessity  drove  me  to  it."  * 

"  I  know  that  very  well,"  said  the  Elector,  "  and  I  repeat 
that  the  past  shall  be  forgotten  if  you  promise  that  in  future 
you  will  be  true  and  loyal  to  myself  alone." 

*  Burgsdorf  s  own  words.     Vide  History  of  Prussia,  by  von  Orlich, 
vol.  ii,  p.  390. 


DIPLOMATIC   MISSIONS.  355 

"Your  highness!"  shouted  Burgsdorf,  "I  will  be  faith- 
ful to  you  and  your  government  to  the  end  of  my  life!  I  re- 
nounce empire  and  Emperor,  and  henceforth  the  Elector  of 
Brandenburg  is  my  sole  lord  and  general!  Allow  me  on  the 
spot  to  give  into  your  own  hand  my  oath  of  office,  and  swear 
to  you  eternal  fidelity!  " 

"  Here  is  my  hand,"  said  the  Elector  solemnly.  "  Swear 
upon  this  hand  hereafter  to  become  the  sword  of  Branden- 
burg, to  serve  me  faithfully  and  zealously,  and  to  have  no 
other  Sovereign  than  myself!" 

"  In  God's  name  I  swear  that  I  will  have  no  other  Sover- 
eign, and  serve  under  no  other  Prince,  than  yourself  alone, 
the  Elector  of  Brandenburg! "  cried  Burgsdorf,  laying  both 
his  hands  in  that  of  the  Elector  and  pressing  it  fervently 
to  his  lips. 

"  And  now,  having  sworn  you  into  my  service,"  said  the 
Elector,  in  a  majestic  tone,  "  now  I  commission  you  to  return 
home  to  Kiistrin  and  to  administer  the  oath  to  all  the  officers 
and  men  there.  But  understand,  to  me  alone,  not  to  the 
Emperor." 

"  To  you  alone,  not  to  the  Emperor!  "  cried  Burgsdorf, 
with  animation. 

"  And  I  further  order  you  to  receive  no  imperial  garrison 
into  your  fortress,  for  we  have  a  right  to  exact  this,  since  it 
is  clearly  stipulated  in  the  peace  of  Prague  that  each  Prince 
is  at  liberty  to  man  his  fortresses  Avith  his  own  people,  which 
clause  gives  validity  to  this  assertion  of  right."  * 

"  Your  Electoral  Highness!  "  cried  Burgsdorf,  "  that  was 
spoken  like  a  man!  Begin  the  good  work  in  earnest,  and 
command  the  Stadtholder  without  delay  to  swear  in  the  other 
governors  of  your  remaining  fortresses!  "  f 

"  You  are  of  opinion,  then,  that  this  is  very  necessary,  and 
that  these  gentlemen  might  refuse  to  swear  allegiance  to  me 
alone?  " 

"  Yes,  sir,  I  am  strongly  of  that  opinion,  and  would  ven- 
ture to  lay  a  wager  that  Colonel  von  Eochow  at  Spandow,  and 

*  The  Elector's  own  words.     See  Droysen,  History  of  Prussian  Poll* 
tics,  vol.  iii,  p.  223. 

f  Burgsdorfs  own  words.     See  ibid.,  p.  224. 


356  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

Goldacker  and  Kracht  in  Berlin,  will  not  take  oath  to  your 
Electoral  Highness." 

"  Woe  to  them  if  they  do  it  not!  "  cried  the  Elector,  with 
flashing  eyes.  "  I  shall  prove  to  them  that  they  must  bow  in 
obedience  to  me,  and  that  I  recognize  no  other  lord  but  my- 
self within  the  limits  of  my  own  dominions.  Now  go  back 
to  the  Mark,  Burgsdorf,  and  do  as  I  have  bidden  you.  You 
may  also,  as  would  once  have  been  so  pleasant  to  you,  go  over 
right  often  to  Berlin.  Attend  well  to  all  that  is  going  on, 
for  it  may  be  that  I  shall  soon  have  occasion  for  you  there. 
Be  on  your  guard,  therefore,  colonel,  and  be  pretty  cir- 
cumspect in  word  and  deed.  Ponder  upon  the  advice 
given  you  by  the  little  Electoral  Prince  once:  'Learn  and 
wait.' " 

"  vSir,  you  give  me  another  thrust!  "  cried  Burgsdorf; 
"  but  it  does  me  good,  and  I  am  glad  of  it.  Yes,  I  shall  learn 
and  wait,  for  I  see  plainly  the  last  night  of  the  world  has  not 
come  yet,  and  my  dearest  master  will  not  always  have  to  act 
so  on  the  defensive  as  now;  when  the  right  time  comes,  he 
will  strike  and  prove  to  all  his  enemies,  even  the  mightiest  of 
them,  that  he  is  more  powerful  than  they.  Mark  now,  mark 
my  words;   Schwarzenberg  may  look  out!  " 

"  But  meanwhile  let  Burgsdorf  look  out!  Farewell  now, 
Burgsdorf,  you  have  received  my  orders.    Execute  them." 

"  Now,"  cried  the  Elector,  after  the  colonel  had  left  the 
room — "  now,  my  dear  Leuchtmar,  you  know  all  my  views 
and  plans.  But  the  most  weighty,  important,  and  difficult 
task  I  have  reserved  for  you." 

"  I  think  I  know  what  your  highness  means,"  said  Leucht- 
mar, smiling.  "  Your  precautionary  measures  have  been  taken 
in  all  directions;  as  early  as  yesterday  your  envoys  departed 
laden  with  most  submissive  messages  of  respect  for  the  Em- 
peror. Only  in  one  direction  have  you  done  nothing,  and  that 
remains  for  me.    I  am  to  go  to  Sweden,  am  I  not?  " 

The  Elector  nodded  and  smiled.  "  It  is  as  you  say — you 
are  to  go  to  Sweden.  A  great  danger  threatens  my  country. 
The  Swedes  are  on  the  frontiers,  or  rather  within  my  terri- 
tories, for  they  hold  possession  of  Pomerania,  which  is  mine. 
They  are  on  the  point  of  invading  the  Mark,  Banner  again 


DIPLOMATIC   MISSIONS.  357 

threatens  my  poor,  exhausted  lands,  and  it  is  said  that  he  has 
already  issued  orders  for, the  demolishing  of  Berlin.  Sehwarz- 
enberg  for  that  very  reason  had  the  suburbs  of  Berlin  and 
Cologne  burned  down,  thus  lapng  the  city  open  to  assault; 
from  Saxony,  also,  the  Swedish  general  Stallhansch  adA^ances 
upon  Brandenburg,  and  all  is  in  a  fair  way  to  encircle  the 
Mark  in  the  flames  of  war.  But,  as  you  know,  I  have  no  money 
and  no  soldiers,  no  power  and  no  lands.  I  can  not  conduct 
a  war!  My  single  purpose  must  now  be,  in  the  first  place,  to 
withdraw  my  oppressed  land  and  people  from  these  flames 
of  war  into  lasting  repose  and  a  peaceful  security,  and  then 
to  govern  them  well.*  I  shall  send  you  to  Sweden,  therefore, 
Leuchtmar,  to  conclude  for  me  a  temporary  armistice  with 
the  Swedes,  and  also  to  negotiate  the  conditions  of  a  peace. 
I  must  have  peace  at  any  price,  for  on  no  terms  can  I  carry  on 
a  war.  Chancellor  Oxenstiern  is  indeed  a  proud  and  overbear- 
ing man,  who  will  probably  make  hard  conditions,  but  we 
must  accommodate  ourselves  to  them,  yield  gracefully  now, 
and  defer  our  revenge  for  a  later  day.  Only  if  he  demands 
Pomerania  as  the  price  of  peace,  you  may  not  yield;  we  will 
indeed  be  yielding,  but  not  suffer  ourselves  to  be  humbled. 
We  can  grant  much,  but  not  allow  ourselves  to  be  imposed 
upon  in  everything.  If  Oxenstiern  desires  money  and  other 
material  things,  promise  them,  but  land  and  towns  you  may 
not  give." 

"  Not  a  single  title  to  land  or  town,  your  highness!  "  cried 
Leuchtmar,  "  for  you  have  said  that  you  would  substantiate 
your  titles,  and  give  kernels  to  the  empty  shells;  therefore 
the  Swede  shall  not  crack  a  single  one  of  your  nuts." 

"  Not  a  single  one,"  repeated  the  Elector,  while  he  smil- 
ingly extended  his  hand  to  his  friend.  "  And  now,  one  thing 
more,  Leiichtmar.  Do  you  remember  the  plan  about  which 
my  great-uncle  Gustavus  Adolphus  spoke  to  my  mother,  when 
he  was  here  on  a  visit?  " 

"  Yes,  indeed,"  returned  Leuchtmar  promptly,  "  I  remem- 
ber it,  and  think  it  were  time  now  to  carry  it  into  execution. 
There  is  one  means  of  uniting  Sweden  and  Brandenburg  in 
the  bonds  of  peace,  without  reducing  Brandenburg  to  humilia- 
*  The  Elector's  own  words.     See  Droysen,  vol.  iii,  p.  223. 


358  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

tion.  Only  follow  the  plan  of  the  great  Gustavus  Adol- 
pluis;  you  know  he  destined  his  daughter  Christina  for  your 
wife."  ^ 

"  Yes,"  said  the  Elector,  and  a  sudden  pallor  overspread 
his  cheeks — "  yes,  he  meant  his  daughter  to  be  my  wife.  Go, 
Leuchtmar,  and  woo  her,  but  quite  secretly  and  quietly.  As 
I  have  already  told  you,  my  heart  is  dead,  young  Frederick 
William  no  longer  desires  anything  for  himself,  but  the  young 
Elector  a  great  deal  still,  and  it  is  the  Elector  who  offers  his 
hand  to  Queen  Christina  for  the  good  of  his  country.  I  be- 
lieve the  little,  young  Queen  interests  herself  somewhat  in 
her  cousin  Frederick  William,  at  least  so  my  aunt,  the  wid- 
owed Queen,  assured  me.  I  shall  intrust  to  you  a  letter  for 
the  young  Queen,  which  you  must  try  to  slip  into  her  own 
hand  without  Oxenstiern  knowing  anything  about  it.  Go 
now,  dear  Leuchtmar,  and  prepare  all  things  for  your  Journey. 
Meanwhile  I  shall  write  the  letter." 

"In  one  hour,  your  highness,  I  shall  be  ready,"  said 
Leuchtmar,  withdrawing  with  a  low  bow. 

The  Elector  thoughtfully  followed  him  with  his  eyes. 
"  In  one  hour  he  will  be  ready,"  he  said,  "  and  he  goes  away 
to  woo  for  me  a  woman's  heart.  Oh,  Love  and  Faith,  must 
you,  too,  bow  to  the  great  laws  which  govern  the  world? 
Must  you,  too,  be  laid  as  sacrifices  upon  the  altar  of  country? 
Hush,  poor  heart  and  murmur  not!  Sink  down  into  the  sea 
of  forgetfulness,  ye  days  of  the  past!  A  new  era  dawns  upon 
me.  I  stand  before  the  gates  of  a  great  future,  and  I  write 
above  these  gates,  'I  will  be  a  mighty  and  distinguished 
ruler! '    That  is  my  future." 


IV. — CONFIKMED   IN    PoWER. 

With  triumphant  expression  of  countenance  Count  Adam 
von  Schwarzenberg  walked  to  and  fro  in  his  cabinet.  The 
Chamberlain  Werner  von  Schulenburg  had  just  left  him,  and 
the  glad  tidings  which  he  had  brought  from  the  young  Elec- 


CONFIRMED   IX  POWER.  359 

tor  had  banished  all  doubts,  all  cares  from  the  Stadtholder's 
heart. 

"I  did  him  injustice,"  he  said  cheerfully  to  himself. 
"  Frederick  William  was  not  my  enemy,  not  my  opponent!  He 
was  only  the  son  of  his  father,  and  he  will  now  also  walk  in  his 
father's  ways.  I  therefore  remain  what  I  am,  remain  Stadt- 
holder,  the  lord  of  the  Mark!  And,"  he  continued,  more 
softly,  "  I  would  have  put  this  amiable  Prince  out  of  the  way! 
Who  knows  whether  it  would  have  been  for  my  advantage 
if  he  had  died  and  my  son  stepped  into  his  place!  My  son 
is  of  my  blood — that  is  to  say,  he  is  ambitious  and  thirsts 
after  power  and  distinction.  He  would  not  have  left  the 
government  in  my  hands,  if  he  could  have  wrested  it 
from  me,  and  perhaps  I  would  not  have  remained  Stadt- 
holder  in  the  Mark  had  it  been  in  his  power  to  displace 
me!" 

The  count  had  thrown  himself  into  a  fauteuil,  and  sup- 
ported his  head  on  his  hand.  The  triumphant  expression  had 
long  since  faded  from  his  features,  which  were  now  grave  and 
lined  by  care. 

"  It  pleases  me  not,"  he  murmured,  after  a  long  pause — 
"  no,  it  pleases  me  not  at  all  that  my  son  associates  so  con- 
stantly with  Goldacker,  Kracht,  and  Eochow  at  Spandow. 
They  are  disorderly  fellows,  who  recognize  no  law  or  restraint, 
and  find  their  sole  pleasure  in  tumult  and  strife.  It  would 
seem  fine  to  them  if  they  could  embroil  father  and  son,  for 
they  would  surely  fish  in  the  troubled  waters,  and  draw  out 
some  advantage  for  themselves,  which  is  ever  their  only  con- 
cern. They  exert  an  evil  influence  over  my  son,  I  know  that, 
and  it  would  be  infinitely  better  for  him  to  go  away  from  here 

and Ha!  a  good  thought!     I  shall  immediately  carry 

it  out." 

He  started  up  and  grasped  the  large  gold  bell,  which  had 
been  recently  presented  to  him  by  the  Emperor.  The  clear, 
sonorous  tones  called  a  smile  to  the  count's  lips. 

"  Yes,  yes,"  he  said,  "  the  old  Elector  is  dead,  and  I  ring 
the  new  times  in;  yet  the  new  era  is  but  a  repetition  of  the 
old,  and  the  end  remains  ever  the  same,  although  the  means 
by  which  we  attain  it  differ.     I  used  to  whistle,  now  I  ring. 


360  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

but  the  object  remains  identically  the  same — to  summon  serv- 
iceable spirits  to  my  side. 

"  They  do  not  come,  though,"  he  continued  after  a  long 
pause,  in  which  he  had  awaited  in  vain  the  appearance  of  a 
lackey.  "  No,  these,  my  serviceable  spirits  come  not;  they 
incline  not  to  the  new  order  of  things,  and  prefer  clinging  to 
the  old." 

He  took  the  little  golden  whistle,  lying  on  the  table  beside 
the  bell,  and  gave  a  loud,  shrill  call  with  it.  Immediately 
the  door  opened  and  a  lackey  appeared. 

"  Why  have  you  kept  me  waiting?  "  asked  the  count  im- 
periously.   "  Did  you  not  hear  the  bell?  " 

"  Yes,  your  excellency,"  replied  the  lackey,  with  reveren- 
tial mien,  "  I  heard  ringing.  It  was  the  beadle,  giving  notice 
that  two  women  were  to  be  put  in  the  pillory  on  the  fish 
market  for  committing  twenty  thefts  between  them!  " 

"  Stupid  fool!  It  was  I  who  rang!  "  cried  the  count. 
"  Did  I  not  yesterday  notify  you  through  the  majordomo  that 
I  should  no  longer  call  you  with  a  whistle,  but  with  a  bell?  " 

"  It  is  true,  your  excellency,  and  I  beg  your  pardon  for 
forgetting  it,"  replied  the  lackey  humbly. 

"  Mark  it  for  all  time  to  come,"  commanded  the  count. 
"  Go  now  and  tell  my  son.  Count  John  Adolphus,  that  I  wish 
to  speak  with  him,  and  request  him  to  come  to  me." 

The  lackey  bowed  obsequiously  and  left  the  apartment. 
He  paused  behind  the  closed  door,  and  with  defiant,  angry 
countenance,  shook  his  clinched  fist. 

"  You  will  no  longer  call  us  by  a  whistle,"  he  muttered 
wrathfully,  "  and  yet  you  whistle  for  your  parrot  and  your 
dogs.  But  that  is  quite  too  good  for  your  servants  and  lackeys, 
and  they  must  now  listen  for  that  sheep  bell.  Tinkle  and 
ring  for  us,  will  you,  as  if  you  were  the  beadle  and  we  good- 
for-nothing  folks  to  be  put  in  the  pillory?  Ah  me!  every 
day  the  rich  and  high  become  more  haughty,  and  the  poor 
and  lowly  must  every  day  put  up  with  more!  We  had  hoped, 
indeed,  that  other  times  would  come,  and  that  the  young 
Elector  would  shove  that  old  tyrant  of  a  Stadtholder  aside, 
and  oust  him  from  his  dignities  and  offices.  But  Count  Adam 
von  Schwarzenberg  retains  his  place,  and  the  only  change  for 


CONFIRMED  IN  POWER.  361 

us  is  tliat  lie  rings  for  us  instead  of  whistling  as  of  old.  We 
must  just  submit,  and  when  he  rings  obey  his  orders  as  if  he 
whistled." 

With  a  deep  sigh  and  melancholy  air  the  lackey  now  walked 
off  to  execute  his  lord's  commands,  and  summon  Count  John 
Adolphus  to  his  father.  This  young  gentleman  made  haste 
to  obey  the  call. 

"  My  son,"  cried  the  Stadtholder,  himself  opening  his 
cabinet  door,  "  I  recognized  your  step  and  came  to  meet 
you." 

"  You  have  something  very  urgent  to  say  to  me  then,  since 
you  have  so  anxiously  expected  me  ?  "  asked  John  Adolphus, 
pressing  his  father's  hand  to  his  lips. 

"  Yes,  much  that  is  urgent,"  replied  the  Stadtholder. 
"  The  young  Elector's  envoy  has  arrived,  and  brought  me  a 
first  missive  from  him." 

"  Good  news?  "  asked  his  son  hurriedly. 

"  Yes,  good  news.  The  Elector  confirms  me  in  all  my 
offices  and  dignities.  I  remain  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark,  Di- 
rector of  the  War  Department — in  short,  what  I  am,  whence 
follows  as  a  matter  of  course  that  the  Elector  Frederick  re- 
mains what  his  father  was — my  obedient  servant.  My  son, 
the  power  has  not  fallen  from  my  hand,  and  your  heritage 
remains." 

"  I  assure  you,  my  gracious  father,  I  have  but  little  desire 
to  enter  upon  this  heritage  of  mine,"  cried  young  Count  Adol- 
phus, shrugging  his  shoulders.  "  May  I  long  remain  what 
I  am  now,  the  son  of  the  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark,  the  coad- 
jutor of  the  Grand  Master  of  the  Order  of  St.  John." 

"  I  thank  you,  Adolphus,  for  this  kind  and  friendly  wish," 
said  Count  Adam,  giving  his  hand  to  his  son.  "  It  proves  to 
me  that  you  love  your  old  father,  and  that  delights  me.  Truly, 
man  is  a  wonderful  creature,  not  being  able  to  live  for  himself 
alone,  but  always  longing  for  some  sympathetic  heart  on 
which  to  lean.  I  have  at  last  made  the  discovery  that  I  have 
a  heart." 

"  And  T,"  said  Count  Adolpbus,  laughing — "  I  have  just 
discovered  that  I  no  longer  have  a  heart." 

"  Or  rather,  you  are  sick  at  heart,  are  you  not?  "  inquired 


362  THE  HEIR  TO  THE   THRONE. 

his  father  quickly.  "  My  son,  you  have  avoided  me  of  late 
— you  have  turned  from  me,  you  no  longer  confide  in  me." 

"  I  have  nothing  to  confide,  most  revered  sir,"  replied 
Count  x\dolphus,  smiling.  "  I  lead  a  merry,  harmless  life, 
and  care  for  nothing." 

"  For  nothing  ?  "  repeated  the  count.  "  Not  even  for  the 
Princess  Charlotte  Louise?  " 

Count  Adolphus  slightly  shuddered,  and  his  cheeks  paled 
a  little,  but  he  carelessly  shook  his  head,  and  continued  to 
smile. 

"  My  son,"  continued  his  father,  "  I  ask  you  to-day,  as  I 
did  two  years  ago,  on  what  terms  are  you  with  the  Princess 
Charlotte  Louise?  During  all  this  time  you  have  invariably 
eluded  my  efforts  to  converse  on  the  subject.  I  indulged  you, 
for  I  know  my  prudent,  cautious  son,  and  waited  for  him  to 
give  me  his  confidence  voluntarily.  Hitherto,  however,  I  have 
but  waited  in  vain,  so  that  I  am  compelled  to  take  the  initi- 
ative, and  sue  for  your  confidence.  Give  it  to  me,  Adolphus, 
tell  me  whether  you  love  the  Princess  Charlotte  Louise." 

"  Wherefore?  "  asked  Count  Adolphus.  "  How  would  it 
profit  you?  " 

"Me?  Not  at  all,  but  perhaps  it  may  profit  you  to  tell 
me  the  truth.  The  lofty  hopes  we  once  indulged  in  have  come 
to  naught,  destiny  has  not  willed  their  fruition.  We  have 
been  disappointed  in  our  hope  of  seeing  George  William's 
daughter  become  his  heiress,  and  exalt  her  husband  into  an 
Elector  of  Brandenburg.  Frederick  William  is  Elector,  he 
has  entered  upon  his  father's  estates  to  their  full  extent.  But 
the  Princess  Charlotte  Louise  is  still  unmarried,  and  has  re- 
mained so  because  she  loves  you  and  is  waiting  for  you." 

"  She  has  made  me  wait,"  cried  the  young  count,  with  a 
sudden  outburst  of  passion.  "  She  kept  me  standing  and 
Tpaiting  two  hours  before  a  locked  door,  and  never,  while  I 
live,  never,  shall  I  forget  the  shame,  the  torture,  and  degrada- 
tion of  those  two  hours  of  vain  expectation.  Oh,  father,  see 
what  power  you  have  over  me!  I  swore  then  that  no  human 
being  should  ever  hear  of  the  insult  put  upon  me  by  that 
haughty  Prince's  daughter,  and  yet  I  am  confessing  it  to  you 
now.    Pity  me  not,  say  nothing,  nothing  at  all,  for  each  word 


CONFIRMED   IN   POWER.  363 

but  aggravates  my  pain  and  makes  my  heart  swell  with  in- 
dignation and  grief.  Oh,  I  loved  her,  trusted  her,  I  dreamed 
of  a  proud  and  brilliant  future,  which  I  should  owe  to  her! 
And  she  played  her  part  in  such  masterly  style,  her  counte- 
nance wearing  a  look  of  such  innocence  and  candor!  0 
father!  I  loved  her,  and  I,  the  experienced  man  of  the  world, 
allowed  myself  to  be  deceived  by  that  young  girl,  who  knew 
nothing  of  the  world,  and  was  yet  such  an  accomplished  hypo- 
crite! Think  not  that  I  was  a  mere  idle  coxcomb,  arrogantly 
basing  his  expectations  upon  his  wishes.  No,  she  deceived 
me,  she  disappointed  me!  You  should  have  seen  her  at  that 
fete  which  you  gave  to  the  Electoral  Prince.  How  tenderly 
she  leaned  upon  my  arm,  as  we  walked  through  the  green- 
house, with  what  glowing  cheeks,  with  what  a  blissful  smile 
did  she  listen  to  my  protestations  of  love,  with  what  amiable 
bashfulness  did  she  respond  to  them!  She  even  anticipated 
my  boldest  hopes  and  desires,  and  when  I  ventured  to  ask  for 
a  rendezvous,  not  only  consented  to  it,  but  gave  me  a  proof 
that  she  would  have  granted  it  without  waiting  for  me  to 
seek  one.  There,  in  the  greenhouse,  she  pressed  a  little  note 
into  my  hand,  which  stated  clearly  and  distinctly  that  she 
appointed  ten  o'clock  of  the  following  evening  for  a  rendez- 
vous with  me  at  the  castle.  And  yet  all  was  falsehood  and 
deceit — all  only  invented  for  the  purpose  of  punishing  the 
presumptuous  fool  who  had  dared  to  lift  his  eyes  to  the  proud 
Princess!  Oh,  how  she  laughed  perhaps,  and  mocked  me  with 
her  sister,  mother,  and  brother,  while  I  stood  below  before 
the  locked  door  and  waited,  finally  being  obliged  to  slink 
away,  burying  my  rage  and  despair  in  my  heart!  I  fancy  her 
spying  from  a  neighboring  window,  watching  me,  and  enjoy- 
ing my  confusion  as  I  stood  there  knocking  at  a  bolted  door, 
having  at  last  to  go  off  silent  and  bowed  down.  It  makes  me 
furious  to  think  of  this,  and  yet  continually  the  idea  haunts 
me,  leaving  me  no  rest,  until  the  remembrance  of  these  two 
dreadful  hours  becomes  absolute  torture.  0  father!  why  have 
you  wrenched  this  secret  from  my  heart? — why  have  you  per- 
suaded me  to  tell  you,  what  I  have  not  even  rovealod  to  my 
father  confessor?  " 

"  I  am  glad,  my  son,  that  I  have  succeeded  in  opening  this 
24 


364  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

secret,"  said  the  count  quietly.  "  I  say  opening,  for  like  a 
festering  sore  it  has  rankled  in  your  bosom,  and  believe  me, 
Adolphus,  since  it  has  been  opened,  you  will  experience  relief 
and  your  heart  will  heal.  It  has  befallen  many  another  man 
to  be  caught  in  the  snares  of  a  coquette,  and  to  have  a  few- 
costly  illusions  dispelled.  But  consider,  my  son,  each  illusion 
lost  is  an  experience  gained,  and  experience  is  cheaply  bought 
with  the  dreams  of  the  heart.  Experience,  you  know,  brings 
knowledge  of  the  world,  and  knowledge  of  the  world  forms 
the  diplomatist  and  statesman.  You  are  already,  my  son,  no 
despicable  statesman,  and  you  will  some  day  play  a  great  game, 
even  though  you  are  not  the  Electoral  Princess's  husband. 
For  the  rest  I  can  give  you  one  comforting  assurance,  and  re- 
lieve your  mind  of  an  oppressive  consciousness.  In  order  to 
do  this  I  have  allowed  you  to  vent  your  rage,  and  listened  with 
attentive  ear  to  your  passionate  complaints.  My  consolation 
is  this:  you  have  never  loved  the  Princess  Charlotte  Louise 
— that  is  to  say,  never  loved  her  with  your  heart,  but  only 
with  your  vanity  and  ambition.  It  was  very  flattering  to  you 
to  be  loved  by  a  Princess,  and  ambition  whispered  to  you 
that  through  your  wife  you  might  become  reigning  Elector, 
if  the  Electoral  Prince  were  only  put  out  of  the  way  by  fate 
or  some  other  obliging  hand.  There  was  surely  some  pros- 
pect of  this,  and  you  know  how  exultingly  we  both  looked 
forward  to  such  a  future.  But  we  made  shipwreck  of  those 
plans,  and  now  it  is  too  late  to  build  them  anew.  However, 
let  us  not  mourn  over  the  past,  but  forget  it.  This  hour  has 
witnessed  your  last  lament  over  your  dead  past.  Its  knell  has 
been  rung,  let  us  both  now  doom  it  to  oblivion.  I  have  re- 
tained one  thing  in  my  memory,  however,  and  that  is  the  note 
which  the  incautious  Princess  gave  you  that  evening  in  the 
greenhouse.    Do  you  still  possess  it?" 

"  Yes,  I  still  possess  it,  and  as  often  as  I  look  at  it  my 
heart  is  like  to  burst  with  indignation  and  wrath!  " 

"  On  the  contrary,  Adolphus,  you  ought  to  rejoice  when- 
ever you  look  at  it,  for  you  can  turn  this  little  note  into  a 
formidable  weapon  against  the  Electoral  house.  With  this 
note  you  can  some  day  force  the  young  Elector  to  make  you 
my  successor,  confirm  you  in  the  rank  of  Grand  Master  of 


CONFIRMED  IN  POWER.  365 

the  Knights  of  St.  John,  or  even,  if  you  still  wish  it,  make 
you  the  husband  of  his  sister  Charlotte  Louise.  Ah!  my  son, 
a  note  in  which  the  Elector's  sister  invites  you  to  a  rendezvous 
by  night  is  worth  more  to  you,  indeed,  than  if  you  could  go 
out  against  your  enemy  with  an  army,  for  an  army  might  be 
vanquished,  but  in  this  billet-doux  of  the  Princess  each  stroke 
of  her  hand  becomes  a  soldier  fighting  with  invincible  armor." 

"  You  are  right,  most  gracious  father,"  said  Count  Adol- 
phus,  with  a  sinister  expression  of  face.  "  The  day  may  come 
when  I  shall  march  out  these  soldiers  against  the  faithless 
Princess  and  her  whole  house!  I  hate  her,  I  hate  them  all, 
and  my  whole  heart  longs  for  revenge,  and " 

"  Your  excellency,"  said  a  chamberlain,  approaching  hasti- 
ly— "  your  excellency,  a  courier  from  Konigsberg  has  just 
arrived,  and  is  the  bearer  of  this  dispatch  from  the  Elector." 

The  Stadtholder  took  the  proffered  packet,  and  by  a  hur- 
ried sign  dismissed  the  chamberlain. 

"  A  courier  from  Konigsberg,"  he  said,  with  a  slight  shak- 
ing of  the  head,  as  he  examined  the  great  sealed  envelope 
which  he  held  in  his  hand.  "  A  writing  from  the  Electoral 
Government  Office,  when  Schulenburg  was  just  with  me  this 
very  day,  the  bearer  of  verbal  communications!  I  do  not 
understand  it! " 

"  The  best  plan  would  be,  most  revered  father,  to  open 
the  letter!  "  cried  Count  Adolphus  briskly.  "  You  will  then 
see  what  news  it  contains." 

The  Stadtholder  made  no  answer,  but  tore  off  the  cover 
and  drew  forth  the  inner  paper.  Slowly  he  unfolded  this,  and 
read. 

His  son  had  involuntarily  advanced  a  few  steps  nearer, 
and  watched  his  father's  countenance  with  the  impatience  of 
suspense.  He  saw  him  turn  pale,  his  brow  darken,  and  his 
lips  become  firmly  compressed. 

"  The  letter  contains  bad  news?  "  he  said  breathlessly. 

"  Not  merely  bad  but  astonishing  news,"  replied  the  count, 
with  forced  composure.  "  The  Elector  here  makes  several 
requirements  of  me,  and  not  directly,  but  tlirough  his  private 
secretary  Gotz." 

"What  presumption!"    exclaimed  his  son   passionately. 


366  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

"  How  can  that  little  Elector  dare  to  forward  a  writ  of  chan- 
cery to  you,  the  mighty  and  influential  Stadtholder  in  the 
Mark,  instead  of  addressing  his  desires  and  requests  to  you 
privately  in  his  own  handwriting?  " 

"  It  shows  at  all  events  a  little  negligence  and  want  of 
formality,"  replied  his  father  thoughtfully,  "  although  the 
Elector  may  certainly  plead  as  his  excuse  the  many  claims  upon 
his  time.  For  the  same  reason  he  only  gave  Schulenburg 
verbal  messages  for  me." 

"  And  may  I  ask  what  the  Elector  demands  of  your  grace? 
Or  is  this  an  indiscretion  on  my  part?  " 

"  No,  my  son,  you  shall  learn  it.  In  the  first  place,  the 
Elector  requires  me  to  send  unopened  to  him  at  Konigsberg 
all  letters  arriving  here  addressed  to  him,  and  not  to  open 
and  answer  them  in  his  name  as  hitherto.  The  Elector  fur- 
ther desires  me  to  conclude  no  act  of  government  without 
having  previously  called  together  the  privy  council.  In  the 
third  place,  the  Elector  directs  me  forthwith  to  require  of  all 
the  governors  and  officers  of  the  forts  an  oath  of  allegiance 
to  himself.  He  lastly  asks,  if  I  can  make  it  convenient  to  come 
to  Prussia,  that  we  may  confer  together,  and  that  he  may 
have  the  benefit  of  my  aid  and  advice." 

"  And  what  answer  will  your  grace  return  to  these  de- 
mands? " 

"  As  regards  the  first  requirement,  I  shall  reply  that  the 
Elector's  will  is  law,  and  that  all  writings  shall  be  henceforth 
forwarded  to  him  unopened.  As  to  the  second  demand,  I 
shall  represent  that  it  is  now  simply  impossible  to  gratify, 
since  only  a  single  member  of  the  old  privy  council  is  yet 
alive.  As  to  binding  the  officers  and  commandants  by  oath 
to  their  duty,"  continued  the  count  slowly,  "  I  shall  but  re- 
quire a  token  of  their  disposition  to  fulfill  existing  engage- 
ments. And  lastly,  as  the  Elector  wishes  it,  I  can  hardly  re- 
fuse him  my  advice;  so  that  I  will  go  to  him  in  Prussia." 

"No,"  cried  Count  Adolphus  impatiently,  "no,  father, 
you  shall  not.  You  shall  not  accept  this  artfully  contrived  in- 
vitation. You  dare  not  go  to  Prussia.  My  God,  sir,  are  your 
usually  keen  and  penetrating  eyes  so  blinded  that  they  can 
not  see  what  is  so  very  palpable?    Do  you  really  not  perceive 


CONFIRMED  IN   POWER.  367 

that  tlie  Elector  only  wants  to  entice  5'ou  away,  in  order  to 
get  you  in  his  power,  in  order  noiselessly  and  quietly  to  put 
you  out  of  the  way?  Ostensibly  you  are  to  go  to  Konigsberg 
to  advise  the  young,  inexperienced  Elector.  That  is  the  pre- 
text, the  sand  which  they  would  scatter  in  the  eyes  of  your- 
self, your  friends,  the  Emperor,  yea,  all  Germany,  so  that  no 
one  can  see  what  is  going  on,  or  by  any  possibility  guess  what 
will  happen.  You  may  set  out  for  Konigsberg,  but  you  will 
never  get  there;  you  will  meet  with  an  accident  on  the  way 
■ — either  your  carriage  will  be  overset  and  you  fatally  injured, 
or  robbers  fall  upon  you  in  the  woods  and  murder  you.  How- 
ever it  may  be,  only  as  a  dead  man  will  you  arrive  at  Konigs- 
berg, and  the  Elector  will  have  notliing  further  to  do  than 
to  decree  your  magnificent  obsequies!  " 

''  Ah,  my  son!  "  cried  the  Stadtholder,  smiling,  '''  you  go 
too  far.  Never  will  the  Elector  resort  to  such  expedients.  He 
is  too  pious  and  good  a  Christian  for  that!  " 

"  Father,  are  not  you,  too,  a  good,  pious  Christian,  and 

yet Believe  me,  the  Elector  has  forgotten  nothing.    He 

remembers  the  man  found  under  his  bed  once,  with  a  murder- 
ous weapon  in  his  hand  and  much  gold  in  his  pocket.  He 
remembers  the  sickness  which  so  suddenly  seized  him  two 
years  ago  at  the  banquet  which  you  had  prepared  for  him. 
Tlien  you  invited  him,  noiv  he  invites  you,  and  if  sickness  seizes 
you,  you  will  probably  not  have  the  good  fortune  to  recover 
as  he  did." 

"  That  is  true;  my  God!  he  may  be  right,"  muttered  the 
count,  turning  pale.  "  It  may  be  that  they  suspect  me;  they 
may  have  told  him  I  meant  to  poison  him  at  that  banquet. 
I  have  proofs  of  it  which  make  it  seem  probable,  and  that 

woman Hush,  hush!  nothing  of  that — that  has  no  place 

here!  But  I  believe  myself  that  yon  arc  right,  and  will  there- 
fore ignore  the  Elector's  invitation." 

"  God  be  praised,  father,  that  you  have  taken  this  resolu- 
tion! "  cried  the  young  count  jo3'fully.  "  ISTow  at  last  the 
crisis  is  upon  us — open  enmity  and  a  rupture,  regardless  of 
consequences!  Waver  and  hesitate  no  more.  The  Elector 
would  ruin  you;  you  must  ruin  him.  Nay,  look  not  so  amazed 
and  shocked,  father!    I  have  long  foreseen  this  moment,  and 


36S  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

luive  prepared  everything  for  meeting  the  emergency  with 
dignity.  As  soon  as  the  first  news  of  the  Elector  George  Wil- 
liam's death  reached  here,  I  gathered  about  me  my  friends 
and  yours,  and  held  a  long  consultation  with  them,  which 
satisfied  me  of  their  fidelity  and  devotion.  Oh,  most  gracious 
sir,  you  have  indeed  no  reason  to  bewail  your  lot,  for  you  have 
many  and  reliable  friends,  who  are  ready  for  your  sake  to  con- 
front the  most  imminent  dangers,  to  undertake  what  is  most 
difficult  and  hazardous!  All  of  our  friends  were  convinced 
with  me  that  the  Electoral  Prince  is  your  implacable  enemy, 
and  that  he  only  watches  for  an  opportunity  to  accomplish 
5^our  ruin.  In  spite  of  his  few  years,  however,  he  is  much  too 
wise  and  cautious  a  man  to  attempt  to  act  against  you  with 
open,  swift  determination.  He  knows  the  Emperor  loves  you, 
and  that  he  would  regard  each  act  of  enmity  against  you  as 
directed  against  himself.  Therefore  he  would  quietly  remove 
and  undo  you.  Here,  in  the  midst  of  your  faithful  friends, 
surrounded  by  soldiers  and  officers  who  have  taken  an  oath 
of  fidelity  to  you  and  the  Emperor,  in  the  midst  of  your  ad- 
herents and  retainers,  the  Elector  would  not  dare  to  arrest 
and  accuse  you.  He  begins  much  more  prudently,  much  more 
circumspectly!  In  the  first  place,  you  are  to  swear  the  gov- 
ernors and  officers  into  the  Elector's  service.  That  is  to  say, 
in  other  words,  they  are  no  longer  to  recognize  the  Emperor 
as  lord  paramount  or  you  as  the  Elector's  representative,  but 
their  oath  is  to  bind  them  to  the  Elector  alone,  and  only  on 
his  will  are  they  to  be  dependent.  After  having  accomplished 
all  this,  you  are  to  proceed  to  Prussia,  where  no  one  defends 
you,  where  your  friends  can  not  rally  around  you,  where  you 
will  vanish,  uncared  for  and  unwept.  'No,  my  lord  and  father, 
you  must  not  go  to  Prussia,  or  if  you  do,  not  until  you  have 
assembled  around  you  your  loyal  subjects,  when,  at  the  head 
of  your  regiments,  you  go  forth  to  meet  the  Elector  as  his 
powerful  and  determined  foe,  not  as  his  servant." 

"What  do  you  say,  my  son?"  asked  the  Stadtholder, 
shocked. 

"  I  say,  father,  that  your  friends  and  I  have  been  secretly 
active,  that  we  have  prepared  to  defend  you  in  case  the  Elec- 
tor threatens  you.     Throughout  the  whole  Mark  your  friends 


CONFIRMED   IX   POWER.  360 

are  ready  to  make  open  opposition  to  the  Elector,  and  firmly 
determined  to  protect  you  and  their  own  rights  and  privileges 
sword  in  hand.  Only  carry  out  Frederick  William's  order, 
summon  the  commandants  of  the  forts  here  to  Berlin,  and 
demand  of  them  their  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  Elector.  This 
they  will  refuse.  All,  with  the  exception  of  Burgsdorf  of  Kiis- 
trin  and  Trotha  of  Peitz,  will  declare  that  they  have  already 
given  in  their  oath  to  the  Emperor,  and  can  not  conscientiously 
take  any  other.  The  colonels  of  the  regiments  will  say  the 
same,  especially  Goldacker,  the  boldest,  bravest  of  them  all. 
They  will  keep  faith  with  the  Emperor,  and  therefore  the 
Elector  of  Brandenburg  is  not  their  commander  in  chief.  You, 
who  administered  the  imperial  oath,  they  will  obey  in  the 
Emperor's  name,  they  will  follow  whithersoever  you  lead." 

"  But  whither  can  I  lead  them?  "  asked  the  Stadtholder. 

"  To  battle  against  the  little  Elector  of  Brandenburg,  who 
would  revolt  against  his  lord  the  Emperor;  to  battle  against 
the  heretical  vassal  of  the  Emperor,  who  threatens  the  Ger- 
man Empire  and  the  Church,  who  would  break  loose  from 
Emperor  and  empire,  who  threatens  all  creeds,  making  every 
ejffort  to  strengthen  and  aggrandize  the  reformed  party.  Oh, 
believe  me,  not  merely  good  Catholics,  but  the  Evangelical 
and  Lutheran  sects,  will  obey  this  call,  and  burn  with  enmity 
and  wrath  against  the  rash  little  Elector.  We  have  spread 
our  net,  and  its  meshes  are  entangling  him,  even  there  in  Prus- 
sia, where  he  thinks  himself  quite  safe  and  secure.  True 
friends  and  trusty  messengers  have  been  sent  by  Goldacker 
and  myself  to  Prussia,  to  concert  measures  there  \nth  your 
adherents,  and  to  rouse  them  to  strong,  energetic  action. 
Sebastian  von  Waldow,  superintendent  of  the  palace  and  cap- 
tain of  Ruppin,  assembles  your  friends  together  in  perfect  se- 
crecy, and  I  daily  expect  from  him  exact  accounts  as  to  the 
success  of  his  operations.  In  Konigsberg  itself  we  now  have 
a  powerful  and  efficient  friend,  who  co-operates  with  us  and 
is  like-minded  with  ourselves.  It  is  the  ambassador  whom 
the  Emperor  has  sent  to  condole  with  the  Elector.  He  is  my 
best,  most  confidential  friend,  Count  von  Martinitz.  He  is 
acquainted  with  all  my  plans,  he  is  the  confidant  of  all  my 
hopes  and  views,  and  will  second  them  with  all  his  might. 


370  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

This  ambitions,  heretical  little  Elector  shall  not  rise,  shall  not 
arrive  at  power  and  distinction!  That  is  not  only  the  view 
the  Emperor  takes  of  it,  hut  all  German  princes.  The  Elector 
of  Brandenburg  is  a  source  of  terror  and  embarrassment  to 
them  all.  He  threatens  Saxony,  he  threatens  Brunswick  and 
Hesse;  of  all  he  claims  land  and  property  now  in  their  pos- 
session. He  has  no  friends,  adherents,  nor  allies,  this  little 
Elector  Frederick  William.  Holland  will  not  side  with  him, 
because  it  will  not  relinquish  Julich  and  Cleves,  Sweden  con- 
tends with  him  for  Pomerania,  and  Poland  about  the  investi- 
ture. He  has  only  enemies  and  accusers!  If,  then,  we  attack 
him,  he  is  lost!  No  hand  will  be  lifted  in  his  defense,  no  arm 
outstretched  to  save  him.  The  Emperor  will  grant  us  his 
support  and  countenance,  and  all  German  princes  will  secretly 
rejoice  that  so  dangerous  a  rival  has  been  happily  removed. 
0  father!  you  see  I  have  not  abandoned  hope  of  becoming 
some  day  Elector  of  Brandenburg!  Only,  I  shall  not  be  in- 
debted for  it  to  the  Princess  Charlotte  Louise,  but  to  you.  I 
shall  inherit  the  dignity  as  my  father's  son!  And  this  shall 
be  my  revenge  upon  the  faithless,  treacherous  Princess!  I 
will  ruin  her  and  her  whole  house;  I  will  put  my  father  in 
her  brother's  place;  I  will  one  day  enter  as  master  the  palace 
before  whose  closed  portals  they  once  insolently  kept  me  two 
hours  waiting.  I  swore  that  night  to  be  revenged  for  that 
insult,  and  now  the  moment  has  come.  Father,  the  fruit  of 
revenge  is  ripe,  and  you  must  pluck  it!  " 

"  Yes,  that  I  will,"  cried  the  Stadtholder,  with  animation. 
"  Oh,  my  son,  a  great,  immeasurable  Joy  fills  my  soul  at  this 
hour;  and,  first  of  all,  let  me  beg  your  pardon  for  having  en- 
tertained a  horrible  suspicion  with  regard  to  you  which  has 
lately  forced  itself  upon  me.  I  mistrusted  you,  seeing  your 
activity,  your  strange  confidential  transactions  with  the  com- 
mandants and  officers;  I  felt  that  you  were  on  the  eve  of  some 
great  undertaking,  and  suspected  that  in  you  I  had  a  rival, 
and  that  you  wished  to  supplant  me!  Forgive  me,  my  son, 
forgive  me  in  consideration  of  the  misery  my  suspicions  caused 
me!  " 

"  I  have  nothing  to  forgive,  father,"  said  Count  Adolphus 
coldly.    "  It  is  so  natural  for  those  incapable  of  love  to  sup- 


CONFIRMED  IX  POWER.  371 

pose  that  others  are  only  moved  by  selfish  ends!  You,  father, 
love  nothing  on  earth  but  your  own  ambition  and  fame,  and  so 
fancied  that  it  was  the  same  with  me,  and  that  ambition  could 
make  the  son  a  traitor  to  his  own  father!  " 

"  My  Adolphus!  "  cried  the  Stadtholder,  "  I  have  already 
told  you,  and  repeat  again,  that  I  feel  I  have  a  heart.  I  felt 
it  in  the  pain  which  I  experienced  when  I  doubted  you;  I 
•feel  it  now  in  the  rapture  wliich  thrills  me  in  beholding  you 
act  so  boldly  and  courageously  in  behalf  of  your  father.  Give 
me  your  hand,  Adolphus,  and — if  you  do  not  disdain  such  a 
thing — embrace  me,  and  kiss  your  old  father." 

He  held  out  his  arms,  and  his  son  threw  himself  on  his 
breast  and  imprinted  a  long,  fervent  kiss  upon  his  lips.  Long 
did  Count  Schwarzenberg  clasp  him  to  his  heart,  then  took 
the  young  man's  head  between  both  his  hands  and  looked  at 
him  with  loving,  tender  glances.  Finally,  with  a  singular 
expression  of  embarrassment,  he  bent  down  and  kissed  his 
eyes. 

"  My  son,"  he  said  softly  and  quickly,  "  I  love  you.  Yours 
are  the  first  eyes  that  I  have  ever  kissed,  and  this  kiss  of  your 
father's  unpolluted  lips  should  be  to  you  a  life-long  blessing. 
And  now  to  work,  now  for  action,  and  bold  adventurous  deeds! 
Oh,  of  late  how  weak  and  worn  out  I  have  felt  myself  to  be, 
and  longed  to  withdraw  into  solitude  and  retirement,  to  rest 
from  all  labor!  I  believed  it  was  old  age  creeping  upon  me, 
and  by  its  abominable  touch  unnerving  my  arm  and  crippling 
my  activity.  But  now  I  feel  that  it  was  only  secret  grief  about 
you  which  thus  enfeebled  me  and  robbed  my  arm  of  vigor. 
Now  I  am  quite  well  again  and  strong;  now  I  will  dare  every- 
thing that  you  have  so  prudently  and  wisely  yjlanned.  Yes, 
yes,  once  more  I  am  Schwarzenberg,  the  Stadtholder  in  the 
Mark,  and  I  shall  not  allow  myself  to  be  imposed  upon;  I  shall 
do  battle  with  this  little  Frederick  William,  who  ventures  to 
defy  and  threaten  me.  He  opposes  the  Emperor,  he  would 
be  an  independent  Sovereign,  while  he  is  only  the  Em])cror's 
vassal.  For  this  he  shall  be  punished.  It  will  not  be  our 
fault  if  this  hurls  him  from  his  little  throne,  and  how  could  we 
be  blamed,  should  the  Emperor  bestow  the  margraviate  of 
Brandenburg  upon  Prince  Schwarzenberg,  as  he  did  the  mar- 


372  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

graviate  of  Jagerndorf  upon  Prince  Lobkowitz?  To  work, 
my  son,  to  work!  Oh,  now  again  my  eyes  see  clearly — now 
again  my  head  conceives  fixed  and  energetic  thoughts.  My 
son,  we  two  combined  will  surely  be  equal  to  the  execution 
of  our  exalted  schemes.  We  two  combined  will  ruin  the 
Elector." 

"  And  put  you  in  his  place,"  cried  the  young  count. 

"  I  must  go  before,  that  you  may  be  my  successor,  and  that 
our  house  stand  firm  and  strong,  and  not  be  inferior  to  that 
of  Lobkowitz  or  Fiirstenberg.  Already  it  is  clearly  defined 
in  my  mind  what  we  shall  have  to  do.  In  the  first  place,  we 
must  render  the  Elector  odious  to  all  parties,  making  it  evi- 
dent to  each  that  he  is  a  dangerous  foe  to  all,  who  would  en- 
rich himself  at  his  neighbors'  expense,  and  would  arrive  at 
honor  and  power  by  weakening  and  degrading  others.  We 
have  only  to  say  to  the  Emperor  that  he  is  his  opponent,  and 
seeks  to  release  his  officers  from  the  oath  they  have  taken. 
Ferdinand  is  passionate  and  jealous  of  his  prerogatives,  and 
will  crush  his  rebellious  vassal.  To  the  Lutherans  and  their 
favorers  we  will  have  it  whispered  by  our  friends  that  the 
Elector,  as  a  rigid  Calvinist,  threatens  their  faith,  and  proposes 
to  restrict  the  privileges  of  their  country  churches  and  to  de- 
prive of  their  offices  all  those  who  will  not  confess  the  Cal- 
vinistic  creed.  The  Lutherans  are  a  hard-headed  and  fanatical 
sect.  He  who  menaces  their  faith  is  their  arch-enemy,  and 
they  will  be  ready  to  fight  against  him  with  fire  and  sword. 
The  soldiers,  you  know,  are  always  ready  to  follow  him  who 
pays  them  best,  and  as  regards  their  officers,  thanks  to  you, 
my  son,  we  are  sure  of  them.  Let  us  now  adopt  a  fixed  plan 
for  hastening  the  crisis." 

"  I  am  only  waiting  for  the  return  of  the  messenger  whoni 
I  sent  to  Sebastian  von  Waldow.  He  will  bring  us  reliable 
information  as  to  the  progress  of  organization  among  your  ad- 
herents in  Prussia,  for  Waldow  has  gone  himself  to  Konigs- 
berg  to  hold  a  consultation  with  Count  Martinitz,  and  to  con- 
cert with  our  loyal  friends  a  fixed  plan  of  operations." 

"  We  shall  be  obliged  to  go  very  slowly  and  cautiously  to 
work,"  said  Count  Adam  thoughtfully.  "  We  must  first  se- 
cure ourselves  on  all  sides,  and  be  sure  of  the  result  before  we 


CONFIRMED  IN  POWER,  373 

venture  to  assume  the  offensive.  The  most  important  thing 
now  is  to  assure  ourselves  of  the  Emperor's  favor  and  approval. 
You,  my  son,  must  repair  forthwith  to  Regensburg,  where  the 
Emperor  is  at  present.  You  will  inform  him  that  I  have  ob- 
tained orders  from  the  Elector  to  release  the  troops  from  their 
oath  to  the  Emperor,  and  to  swear  them  into  the  Elector's  serv- 
ice alone.  You  will  say  to  his  Majesty  that  I  have  declined 
to  yield  to  this  order,  and  in  the  oath  administered  to  the 
officers  have  made  their  allegiance  to  the  Elector  quite  sec- 
ondary to  their  obligations  to  liimself .  You  will  further  notify 
the  Emperor  that  the  soldiers'  pay  has  been  in  arrears  for  a 
month,  because  all  our  coffers  are  empty.  Therefore  ask,  in 
my  name,  if  it  would  not  perhaps  be  advisable,  if  we  come  to 
extremities,  to  take  the  Brandenburg  troops  into  the  Emperor's 
pay,  to  give  them  rations  in  the  Emperor's  name,  and  renew 
their  oath  to  his  Imperial  :MaJesty.  To  effect  this,  we  have 
only  to  stimulate  a  little  the  discontent  of  the  troops.  They 
are  already  tolerably  desperate  because  they  have  not  received 
their  wages.  If  the  Elector  does  not  speedily  pay  off  the 
troops,  the  desperation  will  reach  its  height,  and  a  revolt  break 
forth  spontaneously." 

"  Thence  it  follows,  most  gracious  sir,  that  they  will  be- 
come as  wax  to  be  molded  at  your  will." 

"  You  are  right,  my  son;  we  must  manage  to  retain  au- 
thority over  friend  and  foe.  The  troops  here  are  a  wild,  law- 
less horde,  knowing  little  of  discipline  and  order,  and  bearing 
much  closer  resemblance  to  a  robber  band  than  a  princely 
army.  We  must  aim  at  having  disciplined  troops  at  hand, 
such  as  are  accustomed  to  obedience,  and  to  this  end  must 
introduce  imperial  troops  into  the  Mark.  Nothing  further  is 
necessary  for  this  than  to  begin  hostilities  against  the  Swedes 
with  renewed  activity,  drawing  them  down  upon  Berlin.  It 
will  then  seem  quite  natural,  considering  the  weakness  of  the 
forces  here,  to  invite  the  aid  of  the  Emperor  and  his  troops 
in  defending  Berlin  and  protecting  ourselves  against  the 
Swedes,  but  in  truth  to  help  us  in  this  great  movement  against 
the  seditious  Elector,  who  would  revolt  against  Emperor  and 
empire. 

"  I  commission  you,  my  son,  to  unravel  this  whole  scheme 


374:  THE   ilEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

to  the  Emperor,  and  to  petition  him  for  his  countenance. 
For,  without  the  imperial  approbation  and  without  an  assur- 
ance of  success,  we  dare  not  proceed  further  in  tliis  dangerous 
undertaking.  We  must  have  some  security,  too,  that  tlie 
Emperor's  Majesty  will  proportionately  reward  us  if  we  gain 
the  Mark  for  him,  and  rid  him  of  that  mutinous,  heretical 
Elector." 

"  I  shall  above  all  things  seek  to  come  to  an  understand- 
ing with  Father  Silvio,  and  impress  upon  the  Emperor's  pious, 
zealous  father  confessor  the  extent  of  glory  and  blessing  to 
be  acquired  in  behalf  of  the  Church  and  holy  faith  by  wrest- 
ing the  Mark  out  of  the  hands  of  a  heretic,  and  bestowing  it 
upon  a  believing,  true  Catholic,  such  as  the  Stadtholder  in 
the  Mark.  The  father  has  the  Emperor's  ear,  and,  I  believe, 
is  favorably  disposed  toward  me.  I  shall  use  every  means  for 
enlisting  his  favor,  and  it  would  be  well  to  have  some  funds 
at  my  disposal  for  this  purpose.  Father  Silvio,  noble  and 
pious  though  he  be,  loves  money,  and  is  not  inaccessible  to 
jewels  and  valuable  gifts.  He  has  in  his  apartments  at  Vienna 
costly  collections  of  precious  stones  and  rare  gold  and  silver 
plate,  and  it  affords  him  high  gratification  to  add  a  few  valu- 
able pieces  to  them." 

"  We  will  take  care  of  that,"  said  Count  Adam,  smiling. 
"  Choose  out  of  our  casket  of  gems  a  few  things  worthy  the 
pious  father's  acceptance,  and  for  money  you  can  draw  upon 
the  bankers  Fugger  of  Nuremberg.  I  recently  deposited  with 
them  considerable  sums,  in  case  of  emergency.  They  are 
safer  there  than  here  in  this  starved-out  Mark,  among  the 
desperadoes  of  Berlin  and  Cologne,  who  have  no  affection 
for  me,  and  perhaps  some  day  may  take  it  into  their  heads 
to  demand  relief  from  me  for  their  poverty  and  want,  and  plun- 
der me  to  enrich  themselves.  Among  such  a  gaunt,  hungry 
populace  we  must  be  prepared  for  everything,  and  it  is  wise  to 
be  insured  against  mishaps.  In  these  present  evil  days,  how- 
ever, nothing  but  money  can  raise  an  army,  and  only  he  who 
has  money  can  aspire  to  being  a  general." 

"  The  little  Elector  of  Brandenburg  has  no  money!  "  cried 
Count  Adolphus,  "  for  which  God  be  praised!  He,  therefore, 
can  be  no  general.    His  troops  and  his  land  belong  to  us,  and. 


CONFIRMED  IN  POWER.  375 

like  the  Margrave  of  Jagerndorf  and  the  Elector  of  the  Pa- 
latinate, the  deposed  Elector  of  Brandenburg  may  soon  be  a 
wanderer  in  foreign  lands,  exposing  his  humiliation  to  the 
whole  German  Empire.  Nowhere  will  he  find  compassion, 
nowhere  sympathy,  for  he  is  a  dangerous  foe  to  all,  and  all 
will  profit  by  his  fall.  Dear,  honored  father,  let  me  depart 
this  very  hour  for  Eegensburg,  in  order  to  obtain  the  Em- 
peror's approval  of  our  weighty  plans,  and  to  return  to  you 
the  earlier  with  plenipotentiary  powers." 

"  You  are  right,  xidolphus,  haste  makes  speed,  and  we  must 
strike  while  the  iron  is  hot.  Set  off,  my  son,  this  very  hour 
if  you  choose.  It  will  not  be  necessary  for  me  to  write  to  the 
Emperor  by  you.  You  know  perfectly  how  to  interpret  my 
thoughts,  and  your  spoken  word  is  better  than  my  written 
one.  God  speed  you,  then,  my  son,  I  shall  expect  daily  dis- 
patches from  you,  acquainting  me  with  the  progress  of  your 
negotiations." 

"  I  shall  write,  father,  and  make  use  of  the  ciphers  agreed 
upon  between  us.  You  have  preserved  the  key,  have  you 
not?" 

"I  have  preserved  it  in  my  head,"  replied  the  count, 
pointing  to  his  forehead.  "  Important  secrets  should  never  be 
committed  to  paper,  and  I  say  with  Charles  V,  'If  one 
carries  a  great  secret  in  his  head,  he  should  burn  liis  very 
nightcap,  that  it  may  not  betray  him.'  Truly  may  it  be  said 
of  us  two  that  we  carry  an  important  secret  in  our  heads. 
Instead  of  a  nightcap  I  have  burned  the  cipher  key,  that  it 
may  not  one  day  betray  us!  " 

"  But  the  great  secret  will  one  day  surprise  the  world," 
cried  Count  Adolphus  joyfully;  "  its  trumpet  peals  will  one 
day  startle  the  whole  of  Germany.  From  the  palace  balcony 
here  in  Berlin  shall  its  triumphant  flourishes  ring  forth.  The 
people  in  the  streets  will  hear  them  in  astonishment,  and  to 
me  they  will  sound  as  the  rejoicing  songs  of  the  heavenly 
hosts,  and  enraptured  I  shall  look  up  to  my  father,  standing 
there  m.ajestic  in  the  pomp  of  his  princely  power.  If  I  may 
then  fall  at  your  feet,  all  the  ambitious  dreams  and  aspira- 
tions of  my  heart  will  be  fulfilled,  and  all  within  me  will  re- 
joice and  shout,  '  Health  and  blessings  upon  Prince  Schwarz- 


376  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

enberg,   Margrave   of  Brandenburg! '     Farewell   now,   dear 
father!  I  hurry  away,  the  earlier  to  return  to  you! " 


V. — The  Catasteophe. 

Their  plans  matured,  and  every  day  approached  nearer 
to  completion,  while  with  firm  hand  Count  Adam  Schwarzen- 
berg  held  the  reins  which  guided  the  great  machinery  of  in- 
surrection. He  had  sent  Colonel  Goldacker  with  his  regi- 
ment to  Mecklenburg  to  draw  out  the  Swedes,  and  to  pro- 
voke them  to  advance  upon  the  Mai-k.  The  Swedes  took  up 
the  gauntlet  thrown  down  to  them,  and,  while  they  were  op- 
posed to  Goldacker  in  Mecklenburg,  other  Swedish  regiments 
marched  from  Lausitz  against  Berlin.  This  was  exactly  what 
the  Stadtholder  wished,  and  once  more  the  devoted  Mark  saw 
the  flames  of  war  burst  forth,  in  order  that  Schwarzenberg 
might  have  an  excuse  for  summoning  Saxon  troops  to  his  aid. 
To-day  these  troops  had  reached  Berlin,  and  the  Stadtholder 
wished  to  celebrate  their  arrival  by  a  sumptuous  fete  in  his 
palace.  To  this  entertainment  he  had  bidden  Colonel  Gold- 
acker from  Mecklenburg;  the  commandants  of  Spandow 
and  Berlin,  with  their  officers,  were  also  invited,  and  already, 
in  the  early  morning,  they  were  preparing  the  table  in  the 
great  hall  for  the  magnificent  collation  to  be  served  at  noon. 

Meanwhile  lamentation  and  mourning  reigned  in  the  cities 
of  Berlin  and  Cologne,  while  life  went  so  merrily  in  the 
Schwarzenberg  palace.  The  wild  hordes  of  soldiers  made  the 
streets  unsafe  even  in  the  daytime.  Drunken  they  roved 
through  the  city,  with  the  greatest  tumult  and  uproar;  they 
broke  into  the  houses  of  peaceful  citizens  to  plunder  and  rob, 
and  wherever  anything  was  refused  them,  they  committed  the 
most  wanton  acts,  laughing  and  singing  over  the  tortures  they 
inflicted.  In  vain  had  the  burghers  applied  to  the  officers  of 
these  ungovernable  outlaws  and  besought  them  to  restrain  the 
soldiery  from  outrages,  to  confine  them  to  their  quarters,  and  to 
punish  them  for  their  thefts  and  robberies.     The  officers  de- 


THE  CATASTROPHE.  377 

clared  that  there  was  no  means  of  enforcing  so  rigid  a  disci- 
pline, and  that  in  times  of  war  some  allowance  should  be  made 
for  soldiers  who  with  their  own  bodies  protected  the  burghers 
from  their  foes. 

But  the  poor,  tormented  burghers  did  not  want  war;  they 
wanted  peace!  Peace  at  any  price.  The  States,  too,  who  held 
their  session  in  Berlin,  wanted  peace,  and  to  this  end  had  sent 
out  a  deputation  from  their  midst  to  the  Elector  at  Konigs- 
berg  to  implore  him  to  pity  their  distress  and  to  command 
the  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark  to  abstain  from  hostilities  against 
the  Swedes. 

The  same  suit  the  citizens  desired  to  present  to  the  Stadt- 
holder, and  to-day,  while  preparations  were  in  progress  for  a 
military  entertainment  in  the  Schwarzenberg  palace,  a  solemn 
deputation  of  the  magistracy  and  citizenship  repaired  to  the 
same  spot  to  lay  before  the  Stadtholder  their  wishes  and  en- 
treaties. Count  Schwarzenberg  kept  them  waiting  a  long 
while  in  his  antechamber,  and  when  he  finally  made  his  appear- 
ance his  countenance  was  proud  and  haughty,  and  his  eyes 
shot  angry  glances  upon  the  poor  representatives  of  the 
burghers,  who  stood  with  deprecating  humihty  before  him. 

"  What  would  you  have  of  me,  sirs?  "  he  cried,  in  a  rough 
voice.  "  What  have  you  to  say  to  me?  " 

"  Most  gracious  sir,"  replied  the  burgomaster  of  Berlin, 
"  we  come  to  entreat  the  aid  and  assistance  of  your  excellency 
in  behalf  of  our  afflicted  cities.  We  are  exhausted,  hungry, 
plundered,  driven  to  despair.  We  can  no  longer  bear  the 
frightful  burden  of  war.  Have  compassion  upon  our  afflic- 
tion; make  peace  with  the  Swede,  that  he  may  not  advance 
upon  Berlin,  that  we  may  not  be  forced  to  appeal  to  foreigners 
for  our  defense." 

"  Make  peace!  "  cried  the  burghers,  stretching  out  their 
hands  imploringly  toward  the  Stadtholder,  their  eyes  filled 
with  tears.  "  0  sir!  we  have  borne  sorrow  and  wretchedness 
for  so  many  long,  bitter  years!  Our  hearts  are  crushed  and 
desperate!  Our  souls  are  faint!  Make  peace,  that  we  may 
see  some  end  to  our  trials!  We  have  no  nourishment,  no 
money,  not  even  a  shelter  for  our  heads.  The  Swedes  plun- 
dered us;  the  Imperialists  took  from  us  what  the  Swedes  left; 


378  TFIE   HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

and  now  oiir  own  soldiers  drive  us  out  of  our  bare  and  empty 
dwellings,  make  sport  of  our  calamities,  mock  the  burghers, 
insult  our  wives  and  daughters,  and  quarter  themselves  in 
our  houses,  while  we  wander  homeless  about  the  streets,  not 
even  being  able  to  procure  shelter  in  our  churches  because  the 
cavalry  have  taken  possession  of  these  with  their  horses,  and 
converted  the  temples  of  God  into  filthy  barracks!  Make 
peace,  Sir  Stadtholder,  make  peace!  " 

"  I  have  not  power  to  do  so,"  replied  Count  Schwarzen- 
berg  haughtily,  "  neither  the  power  nor  the  will!  The  Swede 
is  the  enemy  of  our  country,  and  we  must  resist  him  with  all 
the  means  at  our  command.  Cease  your  howling  and  shriek- 
ing, for  it  will  be  but  in  vain.  War  is  upon  us,  and  we  can  not 
as  cowards  retreat  before  it.  Shame  upon  you  for  your  pusil- 
lanimity and  cowardice,  since  your  men  are  still  capable  of 
bearing  arms!  " 

"Sir,  our  men  have  no  more  strength  for  fighting.  Our 
hands  are  too  weak  to  hold  a  weapon." 

"  Oh,  you  will  be  forced  to  handle  them!  "  cried  Schwarz- 
enberg,  laughing  scornfully.  "  When  your  houses  are  on  fire, 
and  you  see  your  wives  and  children  dragged  off  by  soldiers, 
then  these  cowards  will  be  turned  into  valiant  warriors,  who 
can  at  least  defend  their  lives  and  the  honor  of  their  families! 
I  tell  you,  though,  it  will  come  to  that.  Extremity  is  before 
you,  and  calls  for  terrible  resolutions."  * 

The  burghers  broke  into  loud  lamentations,  a  few  threw 
themselves  on  their  knees,  others  wept  and  wailed,  while  the 
lords  of  the  magistracy  approached  nearer  to  the  count  in 
order  to  make  confidential  representations  of  the  utter  hope- 
lessness and  despondency  of  the  two  unhappy  cities  of  Berlin 
and  Cologne. 

Schwarzenberg,  however,  turned  away  from  these  repre- 
sentations with  stern  composure.  "  I  have  not  peace  but  war 
in  hand,"  he  said.  "  Why  do  you  apply  to  me  now  when  you 
think,  nevertheless,  that  you  can  receive  no  good  save  from 
the  Elector  himself,  who  is  your  guardian  angel,  while  I  am 
the  destroying  one.    Wait  and  see  what  news  the  deputation 

*  Schwarzenberg's  own  words.  See  Droysen,  History  of  Prussian 
Politics. 


THE   CATASTROPHE.  379 

of  the  States  will  bring  you  from  Konigsberg.  You  besought 
the  States  in  your  time  of  trouble  to  appeal  to  the  Elector 
himself.  Well,  be  patient  and  await  their  return.  However, 
I  can  tell  you  beforehand  that  they  will  bring  you  a  refusal, 
for  the  Elector  wishes  war,  and  has  given  me  orders  to  that 
effect.  He  has  confirmed  me  in  all  my  offices  and  dignities. 
He  has  most  condescendingly  assured  me  of  his  unlimited  con- 
fidence, and  empow^ered  me  to  act  according  to  my  own  un- 
biased Judgment,  and  to  guide  the  reins  of  government  as  I 
shall  choose.  I  hold  them  tight,  and  shall  not  be  turned  out 
of  my  way  by  your  whining  and  complaining.  War  is  upon 
us,  and  should  I  have  to  lay  Berlin  in  ashes  to  avoid  giving 
a  shelter  and  asylum  to  the  Swedes,  it  shall  be  done,  rather 
than  conclude  peace  with  them,  yield  to  their  degrading  con- 
ditions, and  give  up  Pomerania  to  them!  I  therefore  advise 
you  to  be  on  good  terms  with  the  soldiers,  to  receive  them 
kindly  into  your  houses,  to  entertain  them  well " 

"  Sir,"  interrupted  the  first  burgomaster,  with  a  bitter  cry 
of  distress — "  sir,  we  have  nothing  with  which  we  could  enter- 
tain them,  we " 

"  Silence!  "  called  out  the  Stadtholder,  in  a  thundering 
voice — "  silence!  I  have  heard  you  out,  and  it  is  my  turn  now 
to  speak,  and  yours  to  listen  silently.  Go  and  take  your  meas- 
ures accordingly,  and  act  as  becomes  obedient  subjects." 

He  turned  upon  his  heel  and  with  proud  bearing  re-entered 
his  cabinet,  while  the  burghers  sorrowfully  slunk  away,  to 
spread  throughout  all  Berlin  the  dreadful  news  that  all  their 
entreaties  had  been  in  vain,  and  that  the  war  was  to  be  pro- 
longed. 

"  Yes,  the  war  is  to  be  prolonged,"  repeated  Count 
Schwarzenberg,  when  he  again  found  himself  alone  in  his 
cabinet.  "  We  approach  the  denoueme/nt,  and  if  I  could  only 
get  decisive  tidings  from  my  son,  I  would  hurry  on  a  crisis  and 
begin  open  war.  He  keeps  me  waiting  for  such  tidings  a  very 
long  while,"  continued  the  count,  droy)ping  into  the  armchair 
ill  front  of  his  writing  table.  "He  has  only  written  once  to 
me  from  Uegensburg,  and  then  he  could  only  inform  me  that 

he  had  commenced  operations,  and Ah!  "  he  interrupted 

himself,  as  his  glance  fell  upon  his  table,  "  there  are  papers 
25 


380  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

and  dispatches,  which  must  have  come  in  my  absence.  Per- 
haps tiiere  is  among  them  a  letter  from  my  son." 

He  hastily  snatched  up  the  letters  and  examined  one  after 
another.  No,  there  was  no  letter  from  his  son,  only  official 
documents  from  the  Elector's  cabinet. 

He  opened  the  first  of  these,  and  a  shudder  ran  through 
his  whole  frame  as  he  read.  In  this  paper  the  Elector  com- 
manded the  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark  to  send  back  to  him  the 
blank  charters,  intrusted  to  him  by  the  Elector  George  Wil- 
liam on  his  departure  for  Konigsberg;  he  must,  moreover, 
render  a  distinct  and  exact  account  of  the  manner  in  which 
he  had  disposed  of  the  charters  no  longer  in  existence.  He, 
Schwarzenberg,  the  mighty  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark,  the 
Grand  Master  of  the  Knights  of  St.  John,  the  Director  of 
the  War  Department — he,  to  be  called  to  account  as  a  servant 
by  his  master!  He  was  expected  to  answer  for  what  he  had 
done  in  the  plenitude  of  his  power,  and — worse  than  that — 
he  must  suffer  that  power  to  be  limited!  He  would  do  noth- 
ing of  the  sort;  he  would  not  give  up  the  blank  charters  not 
yet  appropriated  and  send  them  back  to  the  Elector! 

That  was  to  curtail  the  privileges  of  his  high  position,  to 
dethrone  him,  and,  after  having  been  an  absolute  master,  to 
make  him  a  dependent  servant!  These  blank  charters  had 
been  the  princely  prerogative  of  the  Stadtholder,  the  scepter 
with  which  he  ruled!  These  papers,  on  which  nothing  was 
written,  but  at  the  lower  corner  of  which  stood  the  Elector's 
sign  manual — these  papers  had  made  him  absolute  monarch 
of  the  Mark.  In  free  plenitude  of  power,  with  unfettered 
will,  had  he  filled  up  the  vacant  sheets,  bestowing  by  their 
means  honors  and  benefits,  inflicting  punishments,  imposing 
taxes,  and  the  Elector's  signature  had  legalized  his  decrees, 
and  imparted  the  force  of  law  to  his  will.* 

And  these  blank  charters,  before  which  his  enemies  trem- 
bled, which  had  struck  his  partisans  and  friends  as  a  precious 
attribute  of  his  power — these  blank  charters  he  was  now  called 
upon  to  resign! 

"  I  shall  not  do  it,"  he  exclaimed,  in  a  loud,  determined 
voice — "  no,  I  shall  not  do  it!  I  shall  not  be  such  a  fool  as 
*  See  von  Orlich,  History  of  Prussia,  vol.  1,  p.  60. 


THE  CATASTROPHE.  381 

to  lessen  my  own  power.    No;   the  blank  charters  are  mine, 
I  shall  know  how  to  hold  them  fast!  " 

He  threw  the  rescript  aside  and  seized  another  letter. 
Again  from  the  Elector's  cabinet — again  a  command  from 
him  to  the  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark! 

He  broke  open  the  seal,  unfolded  the  paper  with  trem- 
bling hands,  and  again  shuddered  as  he  read;  and  a  momen- 
tary pallor  overspread  his  cheeks.  This  writing  contained 
the  Elector's  orders  to  suspend  hostilities,  and  to  refrain  from 
any  attack  upon  the  Swedes  and  the  places  occupied  by  them, 
and  most  rigidly  to  confine  himself  to  the  defensive  until  an 
abiding  peace  could  be  concluded  with  Sweden.  * 

"  You  assail  me,  little  Elector!  "  he  said,  with  smothered, 
threatening  voice.  "  You  bring  out  your  reserves  against 
me,  and  would  cause  the  proud  edifice  of  my  power  to  crumble 
away  stone  by  stone!  You  fear  lest  if  the  great  Colossus  falls 
at  once  it  might  crush  you,  and  therefore  you  would  destroy 
it  piecemeal,  a  little  at  a  time!  You  shall  not  succeed,  though, 
little  Elector:  the  Colossus  will  rear  its  head  on  high,  and  you 
alone  will  fall! " 

At  this  moment  loud,  angry  and  excited  voices  made  them- 
selves heard  from  tlie  antechamber,  and  a  lackey  tore  open 
the  door. 

"  Your  excellency,  the  Commandants  von  Eochow,  von 
Kracht,  and  Colonel  von  Goldacker  request  an  audience." 

But  the  three  gentlemen  did  not  wait  for  the  granting 
of  this  audience.  With  unseemly  haste  they  rushed  into  the 
cabinet,  unceremoniously  thrust  out  the  lackey,  and  closed  the 
door  behind  him. 

"Most  gracious  sir,  do  you  know  it?"  screamed  Eochow, 
the  commandant  of  Spandow. 

"  Do  you  know,  your  excellency,  what  things  are  going 
on?"  growled  Kracht,  the  commandant  of  Berlin. 

"  Have  you  learned  what  bold  steps  the  Elector  is  tak- 
ing? "  thundered  Colonel  Goldacker,  shaking  his  fist  in  a  most 
menacing  way. 

"  I  know  nothing,  gentlemen,  have  heard  nothing!  Speak, 
tell  me  what  has  happened!  " 

*  See  Droysen,  History  of  Prussian  Politics,  vol.  iii,  p.  223. 


382  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

"  It  h<as  happened  that  the  Elector  has  sent  commissioners 
to  all  our  fortresses!  "  cried  Herr  von  Eochow.  "  Two  hours 
ago  such  a  cursed  fellow  came  to  me  at  Spandow,  and  when 
he  had  delivered  me  his  message  I  left  the  fool  standing  there 
without  any  answer,  threw  myself  on  my  horse,  and  galloped 
off  to  confer  with  your  excellency." 

"  And  such  a  confounded  popinjay  has  been  with  me, 
too!  "  growled  Herr  von  Kracht.  "  He  also  imparted  to  me 
his  Electoral  message — command,  the  fellow  called  it.  I  did 
just  like  Commandant  von  Eochow,  left  him  standing  while 
I  hurried  off  to  your  excellency." 

"An  Electoral  mandate  reached  me  also!"  cried  Colonel 
Goldacker,  laughing.  "  I  simply  showed  the  jackanapes  the 
door,  laughed  him  to  scorn,  and  am  come  to  get  my  orders 
from  your  excellency!  " 

"  But,  gentlemen,  with  all  this  I  know  nothing  and  can 
not  find  out  what  has  happened.  Sir  Commandant  von 
Eochow,  inform  me.    What  is  the  matter?  " 

"  The  matter  is,  your  excellency,"  said  Herr  von  Eochow, 
gnashing  his  teeth,  "  that  a  commissioner  from  the  Elector 
has  come  to  me  with  his  master's  orders,  to  require  an  oath 
of  allegiance  to  the  Elector  from  myself  and  the  whole  gar- 
rison." 

"A  like  order  has  the  Elector's  deputy  handed  to  me!" 
cried  the  commandant  of  Berlin;  "  the  fellow  wanted  to  swear 
me  and  my  men  into  the  Elector's  service." 

"  I,  too,  must  give  such  an  oath  to  the  commissioner!  " 
screamed  Goldacker,  "  and  my  troops  as  well.  What  do  you 
say  to  that.  Sir  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark?  " 

Just  now,  however,  the  Stadtholder  said  nothing.  He 
turned  pale  and  tottered  backward,  until  his  hand  rested  upon 
a  chair  into  which  he  sank.  His  head  swam,  a  sudden  dizzi- 
ness seized  him,  and  he  was  obliged  to  put  his  hand  over  his 
eyes,  for  everything  was  turning  and  whirling  in  a  circle 
around  him.  In  the  vehemence  of  their  own  excitement  the 
three  gentlemen  hardly  observed  this,  and  the  count,  with 
the  energy  of  his  strong  will,  speedily  recovered  his  com- 
posure and  presence  of  mind. 

"  Your  excellency!  "  cried  Commandant  von  Kracht,  "  do 


THE  CATASTKOPHE.  333 

you  not  agree  with  us?  Do  you  not  find  the  Elector  intoler- 
ably assuming  ?  " 

"  I  was  silent  because  I  was  reflecting,  gentlemen,"  said 
the  count,  drawing  a  deep  breath.  "  This  appearance  of  the 
commissioner  empowered  to  administer  to  you  your  oaths  of 
office  is  a  challenge,  thrown  down  to  me  by  the  Elector,  for 
I  am  Director  of  the  War  Department,  and  to  me  alone  should 
that  duty  have  been  committed  of  again  binding  the  troops 
in  the  Mark  to  him  by  oath.  He  insults  me,  and  thereby  in- 
sults the  Emperor,  for  you  all  know  that  the  Emperor  is  your 
commander  in  chief,  and  that  you  dare  never  break  the  oath 
to  the  Emperor,  which  I  took  from  you  after  the  conclusion 
of  the  peace  of  Prague.  You  swore  to  do  your  duty  for  Em- 
peror and  Elector,  and  for  this  reason,  on  the  recent  accession 
of  the  present  Elector,  I  only  required  the  colonels  to  give  me 
their  hands  in  token  of  their  obligations  already  assumed, 
for  an  oath  is  an  oath,  and  you  can  not  swear  to  serve  one  to- 
day and  another  to-morrow." 

"  We  can  not  and  will  not,  either,"  shouted  Colonel  Gold- 
acker  furiously.  "  I  have  given  my  word  to  the  Emperor.  I 
remain  true  to  the  Emperor,  and  the  Emperor  will  protect 
us  against  the  insolence  of  the  little  Elector." 

"  Yes,  the  Emperor  will  protect  us,"  cried  Colonel  von 
Rochow.  "  I  shall  take  no  new  oath,  for  I  have  sworn  to  the 
Emperor,  and  not  until  the  Emperor  has  released  me  from  the 
oath,  and  I  have  made  a  new  agreement  with  the  Elector,  can  I 
swear  to  him.  Until  that  time  the  oath  which  I  have  taken 
to  the  Emperor  remains  binding."  * 

"  I,  too,  have  sworn  to  serve  the  Emperor,  and  shall  abide 
by  my  cath,"  said  the  commandant  of  Berlin,  as  if  weighing 
each  word.  "  No  one  has  a  right  to  command  here  but  the 
Emperor  and  the  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark,  whom  the  Elector 
himself  appointed.  What  that  vagabond  of  a  commissioner 
Bays  is  nothing  to  the  purpose — it  signifies  nothing  to  us." 

"  JSTo,  it  signifies  notliing  to  us,"  repeated  the  other  gentle- 
men. "  From  you  alone.  Sir  Stadtholder,  can  we  receive 
orders,  for  you  are  Director  of  the  Council  of  War,  the 
representative  of  the  Emperor  and  Elector.  To  you  alone 
*  Rochow's  own  words.     See  Droysen,  vol.  iii,  p.  224. 


384  THE    OEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

we  belong.  Give  us  your  orders;  we  are  here  to  receive 
them! " 

"  Gentlemen,"  said  the  Stadtholder,  pointing  with  his 
finger  to  a  sealed  packet,  lying  on  the  writing  table  before  him 
— "  gentlemen,  you  interrupted  me  by  your  entrance  in  the 
perusal  of  important  dispatches,  which  had  just  arrived  for 
me  from  the  Elector's  cabinet.  See,  there  lies  an  unopened 
writing  with  the  Electoral  seal.  Allow  me  to  read  it,  for  it 
contains  the  Elector's  commands,  which  may  harmonize  with 
those  of  his  accredited  commissioner,  or  at  least  enter  into 
particulars  with  regard  to  them." 

The  three  officers  bowed  and  reverentially  retreated  a  few 
steps;  but  their  eyes  rested  with  intense  interest  upon  the 
count,  who  now  broke  the  seal  and  unfolded  the  paper.  A 
deep  silence  followed.  The  piercing  glances  of  the  three  war- 
riors rested  on  the  count's  countenance,  which  maintained 
steadfastly  its  grave,  serious  expression.  But  now  a  scornful 
laugh  burst  from  him,  and  for  a  moment  an  expression  of  wild 
joy  illuminated  his  features.  He  rose,  and  with  the  paper  in 
his  hand  approached  the  soldiers.  "  Gentlemen,"  he  said 
quietly,  "  I  have  a  piece  of  news  to  communicate  to  you,  which 
I  fear  will  incommode  you  and  your  men  a  little,  and  is  not 
calculated  to  heighten  the  love  of  the  military  for  their  chief. 
The  Elector  commands  me,  until  further  notice,  to  put  the 
troops  upon  summer  allowance,  and  the  payment  now  in  ar- 
rears is  regarded  as  coming  under  the  same  regulation.  I  beg 
you  will  inform  your  troops  of  this." 

"  That  is  shameful!  That  is  contemptible!  That  will  put 
the  soldiers  in  a  perfect  fury!  "  screamed  the  three  officers 
together. 

"  I  do  not  mean  to  tell  my  men!  "  exclaimed  Herr  von 
Rochow — "  no,  I  shall  not  tell  them,  for  the  fellows  would  be 
frantic,  and  in  their  desperation  might  commit  shameful 
acts! " 

"  I  shall  tell  my  men  on  the  spot!  "  grumbled  Herr  von 
Kracht.  "  I  shall  tell  them  on  purpose  to  make  them  desper- 
ate, to  make  them  rave!  As  far  as  I  am  concerned,  they  arp 
welcome  to  vent  their  spleen  upon  all  Berlin,  upon  the  whole 
region  round  about.    Let  them  go  around,  plundering  and  lay- 


THE  CATASTROPHE.  385 

ing  the  country  under  contribution;  they  are  justified  in  doing 
so,  for  the  fellows  can  not  subsist  in  winter  on  summer  allow- 
ance, and  therefore  must  rob  and  plunder." 

"  I  shall  tell  my  soldiers  direetl}',  too,"  shouted  Herr  von 
Goldacker.  "  Not  but  that  it  will  give  rise  to  a  pretty  tale  of 
murder,  a  devilish  scandal.  There  will  result  a  military  out- 
break, and  the  burghers  of  Berlin  and  Cologne  may  look  to 
themselves;  but  the  Elector  has  so  willed  it — the  Elector  ex- 
cites us  as  well  as  our  subordinates  to  open  insurrection.  Let 
him  work  his  will  now;  it  will  only  convince  him  that  we  are 
not  to  be  ruled  by  scraps  of  paper  and  decrees  scribbled  by 
feather-headed  clerks,  and  that  he  is  not  the  irresistible  lord, 
to  whose  piping  we  dance.  The  little  Elector  shall  be  made 
to  know  that  the  Emperor  alone  is  our  supreme  officer,  to  him 
we  have  sworn  fealty,  and  to  him  we  cling  despite  the  Elector 
and  all  his  deputies.  I  am  going  on  the  spot  to  give  my  com- 
missioner his  dismissal — to  tell  him  that  I  shall  not  swear, 
and  then  to  carry  to  my  soldiers  the  news  of  their  having  been 
put  upon  summer  allowance!  " 

"  I  will  go  with  you,"  cried  Herr  von  Kracht.  "  I  will  also 
put  my  commissioner  out  of  the  door,  and  convey  the  glad 
tidings  to  the  garrison  of  Berlin." 

"And  I,"  said  Herr  von  Eochow,  "will  forthwith  dis- 
patch a  courier  to  Spandow,  to  tell  my  lieutenant  that  he  must 
send  the  commissioner  out  of  the  fort,  and  tell  the  garrison 
that  they  are  put  on  summer  allowance.  It  will  stir  up  a  fine 
hub-bub,  I  am  sure  of  that." 

"  I,  too,  believe  that  the  end  will  not  be  perfect  peace,"  said 
the  Stadtholder,  smiling.  "  Let  the  Elector  learn  that  govern- 
ing is  not  such  an  easy  matter  as  he  supposes,  but  that  a  man 
may  know  a  good  deal,  and  yet  be  an  unskillful  ruler.  Go 
then,  gentlemen,  issue  your  orders,  but  forget  not  that  in  an 
hour  our  entertainment  begins,  and  that  we  must  not  allow 
our  feast  to  be  disturbed  by  such  little  follies  of  the  new 
regime." 

"No,  we  will  not  allow  ourselves  to  be  disturbed!  "  cried 
Herr  von  Rochow.  "  In  one  hour  expect  us  here  again,  and 
you  shall  see,  most  gracious  sir,  that  we  have  brought  with 
us  our  cheerfulness,  our  fine  appctiies,  and  our  thirst." 


386  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

"  Yes,  yes,  your  excellency,  guard  well  your  keys  and  bot- 
tles; we  shall  take  the  field  against  them." 

"  Do  so,  gentlemen,"  said  the  count.  "  But  go  now,  to 
return  the  sooner." 

He  nodded  kindly  to  the  officers  and  followed  them  with 
his  eyes  until  the  door  closed  behind  them.  Then  the  com- 
posure of  his  features,  the  smile  on  his  lip,  vanished,  and  his 
whole  being  seemed  to  express  agitation  and  bitterness  of 
wrath. 

"  He  will  insist  upon  war,"  he  said  fiercely.  "  He  smiles 
upon  and  strokes  me  with  one  hand,  while  with  the  other  he 
stabs  me,  inflicting  wound  upon  wound.  Yes,  yes,  stone  by 
stone  he  would  crumble  to  dust  the  tower  of  my  strength,  and 
thinks  to  crush  me  to  atoms,  supposing  that  I  will  voluntarily 
bend  to  avoid  being  bent  by  him.  Oh,  you  are  mistaken,  little 
Elector;  I  am  not  afraid  of  you,  I  shall  not  bend  before  you! 
The  Emperor  alone  I  serve,  to  him  alone  I  am  subject.  But 
to  me  the  Emperor  is  a  gracious  master.  He  will  ruin  you 
and  exalt  me;  he  will  protect  me  against  your  arrogance.  To 
me  belongs  the  future,  presumptuous  young  Prince!  who 
would  rule  here,  where  I  have  held  undisputed  sway  for  twenty 
years.  To  me  alone  belongs  the  Mark,  and  I  shall  hold  it  for 
my  lord  and  Emperor!  The  crisis  has  come,  and  finds  me 
prepared  and  resolute.  The  troops  will  revolt,  and  then  shall 
I  step  out  among  them,  appease  them  in  the  Emperor's  name, 
with  lavish  hand  scatter  money  among  them,  and  again  bind 
them  by  oath  to  the  Emperor!  Oh,  my  heart  leaps  for  joy,  for 
the  hour  of  action  has  come.  Only  one  thing  I  lack.  I  would 
just  like  to  have  certain  news  from  my  son,  to  be  sure 
that  the  Emperor  approves  of  my  plan,  that  he  will  lift  me 
up  where  the  Elector  would  cast  me  down.  But  this,  too, 
will  come,  this  wish  will  also  be  gratified.  For  I  am  a  son  of 
good  fortune,  and  all  goes  in  accordance  with  my  wishes! 
Away  then  with  all  sad  and  gloomy  thoughts!  I  would  present 
a  cheerful  countenance  to  my  guests — I  would  appear  before 
them  in  the  full  splendor  of  my  glory!  " 

He  repaired  to  his  dressing  room,  where  his  valets  arrayed 
him  in  the  magnificent  habit  of  a  Grand  Master  of  the  Knights 
of  St.  John,  and  upon  his  breast  shone  the  cross  of  the  order 


THE  CATASTROPHE.  387 

set  with  sparkling  brilliants.  Having  completed  his  toilet,  he 
went  to  the  great  mirror  and,  casting  a  cursory  glance  therein, 
said  to  himself  with  some  satisfaction  that  his  person  was  still 
stately  and  distinguished,  well  suited  to  a  reigning  prince 
and  fitted  for  wearing  a  crown!  This  thought  lighted  up  his 
countenance  with  joyful  pride,  and  with  high  head  he  re- 
turned to  his  cabinet.  Chamberlain  von  Lehndorf  entered, 
to  inform  his  most  noble  master  that  the  guests  were  already 
assembled  in  the  great  reception  room,  and  longingly  awaited 
his  appearance.  The  chamberlain  handed  the  count  his 
ermine-tipped  velvet  cap,  with  its  long  white  ostrich  plumes, 
and  then  flew  before  to  open  for  him  the  doors  leading  to  the 
small  antechamber,  where  were  assembled  all  the  officers  of 
the  count's  household,  waiting  to  follow  their  master  into 
the  hall. 

Lehndorf  stood  at  the  door  of  the  antechamber,  and  the 
Stadtholder  smiled  upon  him  r.s  he  passed. 

"  No  letters  and  dispatches  from  my  son  at  Eegensburg, 
Lehndorf?" 

"  None,  most  gracious  sir." 

"  If  a  courier  comes,  let  me  know  of  it  without  delay," 
continued  the  count,  moving  forward.  "  x\nything  else  new, 
Lehndorf?" 

"  Nothing  new,  your  excellency." 

"  What  noise  was  that  Just  now  in  the  anteckamber,  while 
the  commandants  were  in  my  cabinet?  " 

"  Most  gracious  sir,  an  insolent  soldier — one  of  those 
Saxons  who  marched  in  yesterday — forced  himself  into  the 
antechamber,  and  with  real  importunity  begged  to  speak  to 
your  excellency." 

"  Why  did  you  not  bid  him  wait  until  the  gentlemen  had 
gone,  and  then  announce  him?  " 

"  He  would  not  consent  to  wait  by  any  means,  and  with 
brazen  face  demanded  to  see  your  excellency  on  the  spot.  The 
fellow  was  drunk,  it  was  plain  to  see,  and  in  his  intoxication 
kept  crying  out  that  he  must  talk  with  your  excellency  about  an 
important  secret;  if  you  would  not  admit  him  directly,  he 
would  go  to  Prussia  and  tell  your  secret  to  the  Elector,  which 
would  bring  your  honor  to  the  scaffold.      It  was  positively 


388  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

ridiculous  to  hear  the  fellow  talk,  and  the  lackeys,  instead  of 
getting  angry,  laughed  outright  at  him,  which  only  enraged 
liim  the  more;  he  worked  his  arms  and  legs  like  a  jumping 
jack  and  made  faces  like  a  nut-cracker.  However,  when 
he  again  presumed  to  abuse  your  grace,  our  people  made 
short  work  of  the  drunken  knave,  and  thrust  him  out  of 
doors." 

"  Well,  I  hope  his  airing  will  do  him  good,"  said  the 
count,  smiling,  "  and  that  he  came  to  his  senses  on  the 
street." 

"  It  seems  not,  though,"  replied  Chamberlain  von  Lehn- 
dorf,  making  a  signal  to  the  halberdiers  stationed  on  both 
sides  of  the  doors  of  the  grand  reception  hall  that  they  should 
open  the  door — "  no,  it  seems  that  the  airing  did  the  drunken 
soldier  no  good.  For,  only  think,  gracious  sir,  just  now,  as  I 
passed  through  the  front  entry  to  get  to  your  apartments, 
there  the  man  stood,  and  as  soon  as  he  saw  me  he  sprang  at 
me,  seized  my  arm,  and  whispered:  '  Chamberlain  von  Lehn- 
dorf ,  I  must  speak  to  the  Stadtholder.  Only  tell  him  my  name, 
and  I  know  that  he  will  receive  me.'  " 

"And  did  he  tell  you  his  name,  Lehndorf?"  asked  the 
count,  as  he  walked  forward. 

"  Yes  indeed,  noble  sir,"  laughed  the  chamberlain;  "  with 
monstrously  important  air  he  whispered  his  name  in  my  ear, 
as  if  he  had  been  the  Pope  in  disguise  or  the  Emperor  him- 
self.   I  laughed  outright,  and  left  him  standing." 

The  count  now  stood  close  before  the  wide-open  doors 
which  led  into  the  grand  reception  hall.  The  halberdiers 
struck  upon  the  ground  with  their  gold-headed  staves;  in 
the  spacious,  magnificently  decorated  hall  appeared  a  dense 
throng  of  army  officers  in  their  glittering  uniforms  and  civil 
dignitaries  in  their  ceremonial  garbs  of  office.  Six  pages,  in 
richly  embroidered  velvet  suits,  stood  on  both  sides  of  the 
door,  while  in  the  raised  gilded  balcony  opposite  the  musicians 
arose  and  began  to  pour  forth  a  thundering  peal  of  welcome 
as  soon  as  they  caught  sight  of  the  Stadtholder. 

Count  Schwarzenberg,  however,  took  no  notice  of  this; 
he  stood  upon  the  threshold  of  the  door,  and  his  smiling  face 
was  still  turned  upon  his  chamberlain. 


THE   CATASTROPHE.  389 

"What  name  did  the  fellow  give?  "  asked  he  carelessly. 

"  Oh,  a  very  fine  name,  gracious  sir.  He  had  the  same 
name  as  the  blessed  archangel — Gabriel !  " 

"  Gabriel?  "  echoed  the  count  hastily  and  at  the  top  of  his 
voice,  for  the  musicians  played  so  loud  that  a  man  could  hardly 
hear  his  own  voice,  even  though  he  shouted.  "  Only  Gabriel, 
nothing  further?  " 

"  Yes,  most  gracious  sir,"  screamed  the  chamberlain,"  he 
did  call  a  second  name;  but  I  confess  I  did  not  pay  much 
attention  to  it.  I  believe,  though,  it  was  Nietzel.  Yes,  yes, 
I  am  quite  sure  he  said  Gabriel  Nietzel!  " 

He  shouted  this  out  very  loud,  not  observing,  as  he  pro- 
nounced his  last  words,  that  the  music  had  ceased;  the  name 
Gabriel  Nietzel,  therefore,  rang  like  a  loud  call  through  the 
vast  apartment,  and  the  brilliant,  courtly  assemblage  laughed, 
although  they  understood  not  the  connection  between  the 
loud  call  and  the  hushing  of  the  music.  Chamberlain  von 
Lehndorf  laughed  too,  and  turned  smiling  to  the  count  to 
apologize  for  his  involuntary  trangression. 

But  Count  Schwarzenberg  did  not  laugh;  he  looked  pale, 
and  with  trembling  lips  addressed  his  chamberlain:  "Lehn- 
dorf, hurry  out  and  conduct  the  soldier  to  my  antechamber. 
Tell  him  I  will  come  to  him  directly.  Do  not  let  the  man  get 
out  of  your  sight,  watch  him  closely.  In  five  minutes,  as  soon 
as  I  have  welcomed  my  guests,  I  will  come  to  the  antechamber 
and  speak  to  the  fellow  myself.    Go!  " 

The  chamberlain  flew  off  to  obey  this  behest,  and  the  Stadt- 
holder  entered  the  hall.  Behind  him  were  ranged  the  twelve 
pages  in  their  glittering  clothes,  then  followed  the  oJBficers 
of  the  household  in  splendid  uniforms.  Again  the  trumpets 
of  the  musicians  sent  forth  their  animating  peals,  and,  ranged 
around  the  hall  in  a  wide  circle,  the  staff  officers,  high  dig- 
nitaries, lords  of  the  supreme  court  and  of  the  magistracy,  all 
with  the  insignia  of  their  rank,  bowed  reverentially  before 
the  almighty  lord,  who  now  made  his  progress  through  the 
hall  amid  the  clashing  of  trombones  and  trumpets.  He 
passed  along  the  brilliant  rows  of  guests  with  quick,  hurried 
step,  but  while  his  lips  wore  a  smile,  he  thought  to  himself, 
"When  this  abominable  ceremony  is  over  and  I  have  com- 


390  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

pleted  the  circuit,  I  shall  absent  myself;  I  shall  see  if  it  is  the 
veritable  Gabriel  Nietzel,  the " 

Just  at  this  moment  Chamberlain  von  Lehndorf  ap- 
proached him,  and  bent  close  to  his  ear.  "  Most  gracious  sir!  " 
he  cried  amid  the  clash  of  trumpets — "  most  gracious  sir, 
the  man  is  no  longer  there.  He  has  gone  and  can  no  longer 
be  seen  in  the  street!  " 

The  Stadtholder  gave  a  slight  nod  of  the  head,  and  pro- 
ceeded to  bid  his  guests  welcome. 


YI. — Eevenge. 

Sumptuous  was  the  feast,  choice  were  the  viands,  and 
costly  the  fragrant  wines.  The  guests  of  the  Stadtholder  in 
the  Mark  were  full  of  rapture,  full  of  admiration,  and  their 
lips  were  lavish  in  praises  of  the  noble  count,  while  their  eyes 
shone  brighter  from  partaking  of  the  generous  wine.  The 
lackeys  flew  up  and  down  the  hall,  waiting  upon  the  guests, 
the  pages  stood  behind  the  count's  chair,  and  offered  his  ex- 
cellency food  and  drink  in  vessels  of  gold.  At  first  they  sat 
at  table  with  grave  and  dignified  demeanor,  but  gradually  the 
delicious  viands  enlivened  their  hearts,  the  glowing  wine 
loosened  their  tongues,  and  now  they  laughed  and  talked  mer- 
rily and  gave  themselves  entirely  up  to  the  pleasures  of  the 
table.  Louder  swelled  the  hum  of  mingled  voices.  Peals  of 
laughter  rang  through  the  banquet  hall,  until  in  their  turn 
they  were  drowned  by  bursts  of  dashing  music,  whose  inspir- 
ing strains  blended  with  the  animated  tones  of  the  human 
voice.  Covmt  Adam  Schwarzenberg,  who  sat  at  the  upper 
end  of  the  table  under  a  canopy  of  purple  velvet,  heard  all 
this,  and  yet  it  seemed  to  him  like  a  dream,  and  as  if  all  this 
bustle,  laughing,  and  merrymaking  came  to  him  from  the 
distant  past. 

He  heard  the  confusion  of  voices,  the  clangor  of  the  music, 
but  it  sounded  hollow  in  his  ear,  and  above  all  rang  fearfully 
distinct  the  name  which  Lehndorf  had  pronounced — Gabriel 


REVENGE.  391 

Nietzel!      His  guests  sang  and  laughed,  but  he  heard  only 
that  one  name — Gabriel  Nietzel! 

Eound  about  the  long  table  he  saw  only  glad  faces,  beam- 
ing eyes,  and  flushed  cheeks,  but  he  saw  them  vanish  and 
other  faces  arise  before  his  inner  eye,  faces  of  the  past!  There 
sat  the  Elector  George  William,  with  his  easy,  good-natured 
countenance.  He  nodded  smilingly  at  him,  and  his  glance, 
full  of  affection,  rested  upon  Jiim,  the  favorite.  Yes,  he  had 
loved  him  dearly,  that  good  Elector!  Out  of  the  little,  in- 
significant Count  Schwarzenberg  he  had  made  a  mighty  lord, 
had  exalted  him  into  a  Stadtholder,  into  the  most  powerful 
subject  in  his  realm!    And  how  had  he  requited  him? 

"  Gabriel  Nietzel!  Gabriel  Nietzel!  "  He  heard  the  mad- 
dening words  ringing  clearly  and  distinctly  above  the  din  of 
music,  song,  and  laughter — "  Gabriel  Nietzel!  " 

There  he  stood  in  page's  dress,  across  there,  behind  the 
chair  of  the  young  Electoral  Prince,  whose  pale,  noble  fea- 
tures had  Just  begun  to  quiver  convulsively — there  he  stood 
and  cast  a  look  of  intelligence  at  him,  Count  Schwarzenberg. 

"  Gabriel  Nietzel!    Gabriel  Nietzel!  " 

Ever  thus  rang  the  echo  through  the  hall,  and  however 
varied  the  medley  of  sounds,  to  him  all  was  embodied  in  that 
name.  For  long  months  he  had  caused  search  to  be  made 
for  him,  but  nobody  had  been  able  to  bring  him  any  tidings 
of  Gabriel  Nietzel's  whereabouts.  So,  gradually,  he  had  for- 
gotten him,  and  his  anxiety  about  him  had  died  away.  Why 
must  this  dreaded  name  make  itself  heard  again  to-day,  just 
to-day,  when  he  was  inaugurating  the  bright  days  of  his  future 
with  this  splendid  feast?  Why  must  that  hateful  name  mingle 
with  the  rejoicings  of  his  merry  guests? 

He  would  think  of  it  no  more,  no  more  allow  himself  to 
be  haunted  by  phantoms  of  the  past!  Away  with  memories, 
away  with  that  unhappy  name!  Vehemently,  indignantly 
he  shook  his  lofty  head,  as  if  these  memories  were  only 
troublesome  insects  to  be  driven  away  by  the  mere  wrinkling 
of  his  brow.  He  even  called  a  smile  to  his  lips,  and  with  a 
proud  effort  at  self-control  arose  irom  his  armchair  and  lifted 
the  golden  beaker  on  high,  in  his  right  hand. 

If  he  spoke  himself,  he  would  no  longer  hear  that  perpetual 


392  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

ringing  and   singing  within  liis  breast — "  Gabriel   Nietzel! 
Gabriel  Nietzel!  " 

He  lifted  the  golden  beaker  yet  higher  and  bowed  right 
and  left  to  his  guests,  who  had  risen  to  their  feet  and  looked 
at  him  full  of  expectancy. 

"  To  the  health  of  the  Emperor  Ferdinand,  our  most 
gracious  Sovereign  and  lord!  " 

The  musicians  struck  their  most  triumphant  melody; 
with  loud  huzzas  and  shouts  the  guests  repeated,  "  To  the 
health  of  our  most  gracious  lord  and  Emperor!  " 

"Gabriel  Nietzel!  Gabriel  Nietzel!"  Still  it  rang  in 
Schwarzenberg's  ears,  and  he  sank  back  in  his  armchair  and 
felt  a  sense  of  helpless  despondency  creep  over  his  heart. 

The  guests  followed  his  example  and  resumed  their  seats. 
A  momentary  silence  ensued.  All  at  once  Chamberlain  von 
Lehndorf  rose  from  his  place,  took  his  glass  with  him,  and 
went  along  the  table  to  the  Counselor  of  the  Exchequer  von 
Lastrow,  who  was  carrying  on  an  earnest  conversation  in  an 
undertone  with  the  burgomaster  of  Berlin.  The  chamberlain's 
face  was  flushed  with  wine,  his  eyes  sparkled,  and  his  gait  was 
so  wavering  and  unsteady  that  even  the  goblet  in  his  hand 
swung  to  and  fro. 

"  Counselor  von  Lastrow,"  he  said,  with  loud,  peremptory 
voice,  "  you  refused  to  drink  the  health  proposed  by  his  ex- 
cellency the  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark.  The  toast  was  to  his 
Majesty  our  lord  and  Emperor.  You  did  not  lift  up  your 
glass,  nor  touch  that  of  your  neighbor.  Wherefore  was  this? 
Why  did  you  not  drink  to  the  welfare  of  our  lord  and  Em- 
peror? " 

"I  will  tell  you  why.  Chamberlain  von  Lehndorf,"  re- 
plied Herr  von  Lastrow,  leaping  up  and  confronting  the 
chamberlain  in  his  gay  uniform,  with  dagger  dangling  at  his 
side — "  I  will  tell  you  why  I  did  not  accept  the  Stadtholder's 
toast,  and  may  all  his  guests  hear  and  ponder.  I  thank  you, 
Sir  Chamberlain,  for  affording  me  an  opportunity  of  express- 
ing myself  openly  and  candidly  on  this  subject.  Permit  me, 
gentlemen,  to  answer  in  the  hearing  of  you  all  the  question 
which  the  chamberlain  has  addressed  to  me." 

As  the  counselor  thus  spoke  his  large  black  eyes  surveyed 


REVENGE.  393 

both  sides  of  the  long  table.  All  present  were  silenced,  all 
eyes  were  directed  to  the  lower  end  of  the  table,  and  each  one 
listened  with  strained  attention  to  hear  the  answer  of  Herr 
von  Lastrow. 

Count  Schwarzenberg  had  risen  from  his  chair  and  given 
the  rash  chamberlain  a  look  of  displeasure.  Yet  he  felt  so 
embarrassed  by  his  own  anxiety  that  he  dared  not  call  him. 

"  Gabriel  iSTietzel!  Gabriel  Nietzel!  "  rang  ever  in  his  ears, 
frightening  away  all  other  sounds,  until  they  seemed  to  reach 
him  only  as  dim  and  hollow  echoes  from  afar. 

"  Gentlemen!  "  cried  Herr  von  Lastrow  now,  in  a  loud 
voice,  '•  I  did  not  drink  the  Stadtholder's  toast  because  it  would 
have  been  contrary  to  my  duty  and  my  oath.  Ferdinand  is 
Emperor  of  the  German  Empire,  and  as  such  we  owe  him 
reverence  and  respect,  but  when  the  toast  styles  him  our  lord 
and  Emperor  I  can  not  respond  to  it,  for  Ferdinand  is  not 
my  lord!  No,  the  Elector  Frederick  William  is  my  master, 
and  now  I  lift  my  glass  and  cry, '  Long  live  Frederick  William, 
our  lord  and  Elector! '  " 

"  Long  live  Frederick,  our  lord  and  Elector!  "  shouted 
voices  here  and  there  at  the  table,  and  all  followers  of  the 
Elector  sprang  from  their  seats,  held  aloft  their  glasses,  and 
shouted  again  and  again,  "  Long  live  Frederick  William,  our 
lord  and  Elector! " 

"  Strike  up,  musicians! "  called  Herr  von  Lastrow  to  the 
balcony,  where  the  musicians  sat,  who  lifted  their  trombones 
and  trumpets  and  put  them  to  their  lips.  But  before  a  note 
was  struck,  Lehndorf  shouted  fiercely  up  to  them:  "  Silence! 
Dare  not  to  blow  a  single  blast!  I  forbid  you  in  the  name 
of  our  master,  the  Emperor!  " 

A  wild  yell  of  indignation  from  the  Electoralists  and  a 
loud  burst  of  applause  from  the  Imperialists  followed  these 
words.  Nobody  remembered  any  longer  that  he  was  there 
as  the  guest  of  Schwarzenberg,  the  proud  count  and  Stadt- 
holder.  All  prudence,  all  sense  of  respect  was  swallowed  up 
in  the  storms  of  political  passion.  With  threatening  aspect 
and  flashing  eyes  stood  the  Electoralists  and  Imperialists  op- 
posite each  other,  and,  while  the  former  lifted  up  their  glasses, 
to  touch  them  in  honor  of  their  Sovereign  and  Elector,  the 


394  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

latter  knocked  their  glasses  tumultuously  on  the  table,  and 
broke  out  into  loud  laughter  and  deafening  imprecations. 
No  one  any  longer  paid  honor  to  the  master  of  the  house — no 
one  thought  of  him,  in  fact.  He  had  risen  from  his  seat  with 
the  intention  of  going  to  the  other  end  of  the  table,  where 
now  a  furious  duel  of  words  was  progressing  between  his 
chamberlain  and  Herr  von  Lastrow.  He  desired  to  pacify 
them,  to  smooth  over  the  contention;  but  it  was  already  too 
late,  for  ere  he  had  reached  the  middle  of  the  hall,  a  catas- 
trophe had  occurred  between  the  contending  parties.  Coun- 
selor von  Lastrow  raised  his  arm,  and  administered  to 
Chamberlain  Lehndorf  a  sounding  box  upon  the  cheek. 

One  unanimous  shriek  of  rage  from  the  Imperialists,  and 
they  rushed  toward  Lehndorf  and  drew  their  swords.  Behind 
Lastrow  the  Electoralists  ranged  themselves,  and  they,  too, 
laid  bare  their  weapons. 

Count  Schwarzenberg  tottered  back.  He  perceived  that 
it  was  too  late  to  pacify  now,  that  all  temporizing  had  become 
impossible.  He  had  a  feeling  that  he  must  flee  away,  that 
it  did  not  comport  with  his  dignity  to  stand  there  powerless 
and  inactive  between  two  factions.  In  this  moment  of  weak- 
ness and  indecision  his  confidential  valet  approached  him. 

"  Most  gracious  sir,"  he  whispered,  "  a  courier  from  Ee- 
gensburg,  from  Count  John  Adolphus,  has  just  arrived.  I 
have  already  laid  the  letter  upon  your  excellency's  writing 
table.    It  is  marked  *  urgent.'  " 

Count  Schwarzenberg  turned  to  hurry  from  the  hall,  to 
escape  the  wild  tumult,  to  take  refuge  in  his  cabinet,  and, 
above  all  things,  to  read  the  long-expected  letter  from  his  son. 

The  uproar  in  the  hall  waxed  ever  fiercer,  weapons  clashed 
and  wild  battle  cries  resounded.  He  quickened  his  pace,  and 
opened  the  door  of  the  hall.  Behind  him  rang  out  a  pierc- 
ing shriek,  a  death  cry!    Quivering  in  every  fiber  of  his  being 

the  count  turned  round  to Once  more  that  piercing 

shriek  was  heard,  and  Herr  von  Lastrow,  with  Lehndorf's 
dagger  in  his  breast,  fell  backward  into  the  arms  of  his  friends 
with  the  death  rattle  in  his  throat.* 

*  This  whole  scene  is  historical.    See  von  Orlich,  Hi.stor7  of  Prussia, 
vol.  i,  p.  59. 


REVENGE.  395 

Count  Schwarzenberg,  seized  with  horror,  rushed  on 
through  the  deserted,  brilhanth^  Hghted  apartments — on,  ever 
on.  But  that  fearful  shriek  went  with  him,  ringing  erer  in 
his  ears.  It  drove  him  onward  like  a  fury,  and  his  hair  stood 
on  end  and  his  heart  beat  to  bursting. 

He  had  heard  it  once  before,  that  death  cry! 

In  the  stillness  of  night  it  had  sounded  that  time  in 
the  castle  of  Berlin,  when  a  pale  woman  had  knelt  at  his  feet 
and  pleaded  for  her  life!  Often  had  he  heard  it  since;  it  had 
awakened  him  from  sleep,  it  had  often  startled  him  when  en- 
gaged in  merry  conversation  with  his  friends;  at  the  festive 
board  it  had  drowned  the  music  as  far  as  he  was  concerned, 
this  death  cry,  this  Fury  of  his  conscience! 

At  last  he  reached  his  cabinet.  He  threw  himself  into  a 
chair.  God  be  thanked,  he  was  alone  here!  He  had  quiet 
and  soHtude  here! 

He  surveyed  the  room  and  an  infinite  feeling  of  relief 
and  security  came  over  him. 

Alone! 

"  Gabriel  Metzel!  Gabriel  ]S"ietzel!  "  was  whispered  in  his 
heart,  and  he  looked  timidly  around,  as  if  he  feared  to  see 
him  in  each  corner.  Then  a  shriek  resounded  in  his  ear — • 
that  death  cry! 

It  had  penetrated  into  his  quiet  cabinet,  she  stood  be- 
hind him,  she  screamed  in  his  ear,  "  Gabriel  Nietzel!  Re- 
becca! " 

Perfectly  unmanned,  the  count  leaned  back  in  his  easy- 
chair,  the  sweat  standing  in  great  drops  upon  his  brow.  He 
no  longer  even  remembered  that  he  had  come  there  to  read 
his  son's  important  letter!  His  soul  was  shattered  in  its  in- 
most depths.  Gabriel  Xietzel  was  there  again!  A  murder 
had  been  committed  in  his  house — at  his  table!  Committed, 
too,  by  his  own  servant,  his  favorite,  his  friend!  He  durst  not 
pardon  him;  he  must  punish  the  murderer  according  to  the 
law.  He  must  pronounce  sentence  of  death  on  him,  who  had 
slain  his  fellow-man!  He  foresaw  this  in  the  future!  He  saw 
himself  as  Judge,  the  viceregent  of  God  and  justice,  opposite 
the  pale  criminal,  his  servant,  his  friend,  upon  whom  he  pro- 
nounced sentence! 
26 


396  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

He!  Would  his  lips  dare  to  utter  a  sentence  of  death? 
Dared  the  murderer  condemn? 

"  Gabriel  Nietzel!  Gabriel  Nietzel!  Eebecea!  Eebecca!  " 
screamed  the  voice  behind  his  chair.  But  hark!  what  noise 
is  that?  What  means  that  confused  jumble  of  groans  and 
yells  and  shouts — that  howling  as  of  fierce  and  sweeping 
winds,  that  roar  as  of  the  mighty  deep?  What  is  that  so  like 
the  rolling  of  thunder?  Are  those  wolflike  howls  the  voices 
of  men?  Is  that  the  tramp  of  human  feet?  Before  his  win- 
dows it  surges  and  dashes,  howls  and  roars! 

With  difiiculty  Schwarzenberg  rises  from  his  chair,  and, 
creeping  to  the  window,  conceals  himself  behind  the  hang- 
ings and  cautiously  looks  out  upon  the  street.  A  dense  throng 
of  soldiers  surges  beneath  his  windows;  the  whole  street,  the 
whole  square  is  packed  with  them.  Angry  faces,  the  voices 
of  furious  men,  hundreds  upon  hundreds  of  uplifted  fists 
and  portentous  growls! 

"  He  shall  pay  us  our  money!  He  wants  to  cheat  us  out 
of  our  pay!  He  wants  to  put  us  upon  summer  allowance  and 
pocket  the  rest  of  the  money!  It  is  said  this  is  done  by  the 
Elector's  command.  But  it  is  a  lie,  an  abominable  lie! 
Schwarzenberg  lets  nobody  command  him.  He  is  master 
here.  He  wants  us  to  starve  that  his  own  riches  may  be  in- 
creased. We  will  not  suffer  it!  He  shall  pay  us  for  it!  Hur- 
rah!   Storm  the  house!  " 

"  A  mutiny!  "  muttered  Count  Schwarzenberg.  "  They 
were  to  have  rebelled,  and  so  they  do.  But  they  rebel  against 
me!  I  flung  down  the  sword,  and  its  point  is  turned  against 
myself.  So  the  spirits  of  hell  grant  what  they  have  promised 
us — what  we  have  purchased  at  the  price  of  our  souls!  They 
give  the  reward,  but  even  while  they  are  paying  it  out  to  us 
it  becomes  a  curse  and  ruins  us!  " 

How  they  storm  and  rage  and  roar  without!  How  they 
beat  and  hammer  against  the  locked  doors!  Count  Schwarz- 
enberg stands  behind  the  window  and  hears  them!  He  hears 
other  voices,  too — Goldacker,  Kracht,  and  Rochow  endeavor- 
ing to  calm  them,  exhorting  them  to  be  patient. 

Futile  efforts!  Ever  louder  grow  the  knocking  and 
thundering  aerainst  the  house.     Stones  are  hurled  against 


REVENGE.  397 

the  walls,  the  window  shutters  rattle  and  are  shivered  to  pieces, 
the  doors  creak  and  give  way. 

"  If  they  attempt  to  murder  me,  I  shall  not  stand  on  the 
defensive,"  murmurs  Count  Schwarzenberg  to  himself,  as  he 
retires  from  the  window,  slowly  traverses  the  apartment,  and 
again  sinks  down  upon  the  chair  by  his  writing  table.  The 
door  of  the  cabinet  is  violently  torn  open,  and  in  rush  the  Com- 
mandants von  Kracht  and  von  Rochow,  followed  by  the  cap- 
tains of  their  regiments. 

"  Gracious  sir,  it  is  impossible  to  calm  these  madmen. 
They  no  longer  heed  orders.  They  are  beside  themselves  with 
rage.  They  have  already  broken  open  the  doors  and  forced 
their  way  into  the  entrance  hall.  They  will  plunder  and 
despoil  the  whole  palace!  We  can  save  nothing  more,  prevent 
nothing  more!    You  are  lost,  so  are  we,  and  all  Berlin!  " 

"  Be  it  so!  "  says  Schwarzenberg  loftily.  "  Let  the  whole 
earth  fall  down  and  overwhelm  me  in  its  ruins.  I  shall  but  be 
buried  beneath  them!  " 

"  Gracious  sir,  only  hear!  The  howling  and  yelling  come 
ever  nearer,  and  are  continually  gaining  in  strength!  Gracious 
sir,  have  pity  upon  us,  upon  yourself!    Save  us  all!  " 

"  Save  ?  How  can  I  save  any  one  ?  Will  those  savage 
hordes  obey  me,  when  they  refuse  submission  to  you,  their 
officers?  " 

"  Gracious  sir,  they  demand  their  pay!  They  demand 
money!  Nothing  will  appease  them  but  money,  and  assur- 
ances that  they  shall  have  their  winter  allowance.  Give  us 
money  to  quiet  that  raging  host!     Money — money!  " 

"How  much  would  you  have?  How  much  is  needful  to 
tame  that  fierce,  wild  horde?  " 

"  Three  hundred  dollars!  "  calls  out  Herr  von  Kracht. 

"  No;  four  hundred  dollars!  "  shouts  Herr  von  Rochow. 

"  Five  hundred  dollars! "  growls  Herr  von  Goldacker. 
"  No,  give  us  six  hundred  dollars,  which  would  do  the  thing 
thoroughly." 

"  Well,  be  it  six  hundred  dollars  then,"  says  the  count,  with 
an  expression  of  contemptuous  scorn.  "  Stay  here,  gentle- 
men; I  will  return  directly.  I  am  only  going  to  fetch  the 
money." 


398  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

He  left  the  cabinet  and  entered  his  sleeping  apartment, 
where,  at  the  side  of  the  bed,  stood  the  great  iron  chest  to  which 
he  alone  had  the  key.  After  a  few  minutes  he  rejoined  the  offi- 
cers in  his  cabinet.  He  had  six  rolls  of  money  in  his  hand,  two 
of  which  he  handed  to  each  of  the  three  gentlemen. 

"  Here,  gentlemen,"  he  said,  with  bitter  mockery, '"'  here  are 
the  commandants  who  have  authority  to  bring  their  troops 
to  order.  Go  and  show  them  to  your  men,  and  order  them  to 
follow  these  commandants  to  the  cathedral  square,  and  there 
distribute  the  money  among  them." 

The  gentlemen  wished  to  thank  him,  but  with  a  wave  of 
his  hand  he  pointed  them  to  the  door,  and  they  hurried  out 
to  their  soldiers. 

Schwarzenberg  looked  after  them,  and  listened  to  the 
rumbling  and  roaring  without  in  the  entrance  hall  of  his 
house.  Suddenly  it  became  gentler,  and  finally  ceased  alto- 
gether. Then,  after  a  pause^  rang  forth  a  loud  shout  of  joy, 
and  again  the  street  filled  with  soldiers,  again  was  heard  the 
loud  tramp  of  feet,  the  uproar  and  confusion  of  many  tongues. 
"  The  wretches  have  marched  off,"  murmured  Count  Schwarz- 
enberg to  himself.  "  Yes,  yes,  with  money  we  buy  love,  with 
money  hatred  and " 

"Hurrah!  Long  live  Count  Schwarzenberg!"  sounded 
below  his  windows.  "  Long  live  the  Stadtholder  in  the 
Mark!  " 

"  That  shout  costs  me  six  hundred  dollars,"  said  he, 
shrugging  his  shoulders.  "  To-morrow,  most  likely  the  mob 
will  come  again  to  threaten  me,  that  I  may  again  purchase 
a  cheer  from  them.  Well,  for  the  present  at  least  I  have  rest. 
Nobody  shall  disturb  me.    Nobody  shall  intrude  upon  me." 

He  stepped  to  the  doors  leading  into  his  sleeping  room 
and  antechamber,  and  bolted  them  both.  He  did  not  think 
of  the  secret  door  which  led  to  the  little  corridor  and  thence 
to  the  private  staircase,  and  did  not  bolt  that.  Why  should 
he  have  done  so?  The  steps  were  so  little  used,  so  few  knew 
of  them,  so  few,  of  the  existence  of  the  little  side  door  which 
led  to  them.  It  was  not  necessary  to  lock  that  door,  for  ao 
one  would  come  to  him  in  that  way. 

He  was  alone.     God  be  praised,  quite  alone!     And  now 


REVENGE.  399 

again  he  remembered  the  important  letter,  which  he  had  for- 
gotten while  the  soldiers'  riot  was  in  progress.  There  lay 
his  son's  letter,  on  his  writing  table.  He  hastened  thither 
and  seated  himself  in  the  armchair,  taking  np  the  letter  and 
examining  its  address.  The  sight  of  his  son's  handwriting 
rejoiced  his  heart,  as  a  greeting  from  afar. 

He  drew  a  deep  sigh  of  relief.  All  anguish,  all  cares  had 
left  him  as  soon  as  he  took  his  son's  letter  in  his  hand.  Even 
the  warning  voice  in  his  heart  had  hushed,  even  the  Fuiy 
no  longer  stood  behind  his  chair;  he  no  longer  heard  her 
death  cry.  All  was  silent  in  that  spacious  apartment  behind 
him,  on  which  he  turned  his  back. 

He  took  the  letter,  broke  the  seal,  and  slowly  unfolded  the 
paper.  But  now  he  put  off  reading  its  contents  for  one  mo- 
ment more.  This  sheet  of  paper  contained  the  decision  of  his 
whole  future,  it  would  either  exalt  him  into  a  reigning  prince 
by  bringing  him  the  Emperor's  sanction,  or  lower  him  into  an 

underling  of  the  Elector,  making  him  a  nobody,  if But 

no,  it  was  impossible!  The  Emperor  would  not  disavow  him! 
It  was  folly  to  think  of  such  a  thing! 

He  fixed  his  eyes  on  the  paper  and  began  to  read.  But 
as  he  read,  his  breath  came  ever  quicker,  his  cheeks  became 
more  pale,  his  brow  more  clouded.  His  hands  began  to 
tremble  so  violently  that  the  paper  which  they  held  rattled 
and  shook,  and  finally  dropped  on  the  table. 

Motionless  and  gasping  for  breath  the  count  sat  there, 
staring  at  the  letter.  Then  its  contents  flashed  through  him 
like  a  sudden  shock,  and,  collecting  his  faculties,  he  once 
more  snatched  up  the  paper. 

"  It  is  impossible!  "  he  cried  aloud,  "  I  read  falsely!  That 
can  not  be!  My  eyes  surely  deceived  me!  My  ears  shall  lend 
their  evidence!    I  will  hear  my  sentence  of  condemnation!  " 

And  with  loud  voice,  occasionally  interrupted  by  the  con- 
vulsive groans  which  escaped  his  breast,  he  read:  "  I  am 
grieved  to  announce  to  you,  beloved  and  honored  father,  that 
our  affairs  have  not  prospered,  as  we  hoped  and  expected. 
Through  the  intercession  of  good  Father  Silvio,  I  had  a  long 
interview  yesterday  with  the  Emperor.  And  the  result  of 
it  is  this:   The  Emperor  loves  you,  it  is  true;  he  calls  you  his 


400  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

most  faithful  servant,  and  promises  ever  to  be  a  gracious 
Sovereign  to  you,  but  he  will  never  further  your  projects  of 
becoming  an  independent  ruler,  and  will  not  assist  you  to 
effect  the  Elector's  ruin,  that  you  may  usurp  his  place.  He 
rather  wishes  you  to  remain  what  you  are — Stadtholder  in 
the  Mark — and  to  exert  all  your  energies  in  maintaining  that 
position,  since  the  Emperor  relies  upon  your  good  offices  for 
securing  him  an  ally  in  the  Elector.  The  Mark  is  to  remain 
Frederick  William's  domain,  but  the  Elector  must  become 
an  Imperialist.  Such  is  the  will  and  pleasure  of  the  Emperor. 
He  urged  me  to  beg  you  to  evince  more  complaisance  and 
deference  for  the  Elector,  that  you  may  acquire  influence  over 
him.  The  Emperor  had  been  much  shocked  by  the  news  sent 
him  from  Konigsberg  by  Martinitz.  It  appears  certain  from 
this  information,  my  dear  father,  that  the  Elector  is  much 
set  against  you,  and  that  he  only  makes  use  of  your  continu- 
ance  in  office  as  a  mask,  behind  which  he  may,  unseen,  direct 
his  missiles  against  you.  The  Elector  has  taken  your  refusal 
to  come  to  Konigsberg  upon  his  invitation  in  very  ill  part, 
and  it  has  excited  his  highest  displeasure.  We  have  played 
a  dangerous  game,  and  I  fear  we  have  lost  it." 

"  Lost!  "  screamed  the  count,  crushing  the  paper  in  his 
hand  into  a  ball  and  dashing  it  to  the  ground.  "  Yes,  I  have 
lost  and  am  ruined!  The  end  and  aim  of  my  whole  life  are 
defeated!  I  aimed  at  the  summit,  and  when  I  have  nearly 
reached  my  goal  an  invisible  hand  hurls  me  back,  and  I  am 
plunged  into  an  abyss!  " 

"  As  serves  you  right,  for  God  is  just!  "  said  a  solemn  voice 
behind  him,  and  a  hand  was  laid  heavily  upon  his  shoulder. 

Count  Schwarzenberg  uttered  a  shriek  of  horror  and 
turned  round.  A  soldier  stood  behind  him — an  Imperial  sol- 
dier in  dirty,  tattered  garments,  a  poor,  miserable  man.  And 
yet  the  count  sprang  from  his  chair,  as  if  in  the  presence  of 
some  prince  or  superior  being  before  whom  he  must  bow  with 
reverence.  With  bowed  head  he  stood  before  this  soldier,  and 
dared  not  look  him  in  the  face! 

Yes,  it  was  a  prince,  it  was  a  superior  being  before  whom 
he  bowed!  He  stood  before  his  judge,  he  stood  before  his  con- 
science!   He  knew  it,  he  felt  it!    A  cold  hand  was  laid  upon 


KEVE^'GE.  401 

Ms  heart  and  contracted  it  convulsively;  it  was  laid  upon  his 
head  and  bowed  it  low.  Death  was  there,  and  his  name  was 
Gabriel  Nietzel! 

"  Gabriel  Nietzel!  "  murmured  his  ashy  pale  lips,  "  Gabriel 
Nietzel!  " 

"You  recognize  me,  then?"  said  the  soldier  quietly  and 
coldly.  "  Look  at  me,  count,  lift  your  eyes  upon  me!  I  want 
to  see  your  countenance!  " 

With  a  last  effort  of  strength  Count  Schwarzenberg  re- 
sumed his  self-control.  He  raised  his  head,  affecting  his  usual 
proud  and  self-satisfied  air.  "Gabriel  Nietzel!  "  he  cried, 
"Whence  come  you?  What  would  you  have  of  me?  How 
did  you  come  in  here  ?  " 

"How  did  I  come  in?"  repeated  he.  "Through  yon 
door!  " 

And  he  pointed  at  the  door  opening  upon  the  secret  stair- 
case. "  I  came  twice  and  begged  to  be  allowed  access  to  you, 
but  was  refused.  This  time  I  admitted  myself.  You  once 
sent  me  down  the  secret  stairway,  and  pointed  out  that  mode 
of  exit  to  me  yourself,  when  your  son  was  coming  to  visit 
you.  What  do  I  want?  I  want  you  to  give  me  my  wife, 
mv  Eebecca;  and  if  you  have  murdered  her,  I  want  your 
life!" 

"  Would  you  murder  me?  "  exclaimed  the  count  in  horror, 
while  moving  slowly  backward.  Keeping  his  eyes  fixed  upon 
Gabriel  Nietzel,  he  sought  to  gain  the  door  to  his  bedchamber. 
liut  Xietzel  guessed  his  design  and  disdainfully  shook  his 
head.  "  Do  not  take  that  trouble,"  he  said.  "  I  have  ab- 
stracted both  keys  and  put  them  in  my  pocket.  You  can  not 
escape  me." 

Count  Schwarzenberg's  eyes  darted  a  quick,  involuntary 
glance  across  at  the  round  table  on  which  stood  his  bell. 
Nietzel  intercepted  this  glance  and  understood  that  the  count 
meant  to  call  his  people.  He  took  up  the  bell  and  thrust  it 
into  his  bosom. 

"  Give  up  your  efforts  to  evade  me,"  he  said.  "  God  sends 
me  to  you.  God  will  punish  your  crime  by  means  of  this  hand, 
which  you  once  bribed  to  commit  a  murderous  deed.  Count 
Schwarzenberg,  you  have  acted  the  part  of  the  devil  toward 


402  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

mc!  You  have  robbed  me  of  my  soul!  Give  it  back  to  me! 
I  demand  of  you  my  soul!  " 

"  lie  is  insane,"  said  Count  Schwarzenberg,  softly  to  him- 
self.   But  Nietzel  caught  his  meaning. 

"  No,"  he  said  sorrowfully — "  no,  I  am  not  insane.  God 
has  denied  me  that  consolation.  I  know  what  has  been,  and 
what  is.  There  was  a  time — a  glorious,  blessed  time — when 
I  forgot  everything,  when  all  pain  was  banished,  and  I  was 
liappy — ah,  so  happy!  They  said,  indeed,  that  I  was  mad; 
they  called  it  sickness,  forsooth,  and  locked  me  up,  and  tor- 
mented me.    But  I  was  so  happy,  for  I  saw  my  Eebecca  always 

before  me,  she  was  ever  at  my  side  and Count,  where 

have  you  left  my  Eebecca?  Where  is  she?  Give  her  to  me! 
I  will  have  her  again,  my  own  Eebecca!  Give  her  back  to  me, 
directly,  on  the  spot!  " 

He  seized  him  with  both  his  arms,  his  hands  clutching 
his  shoulders  like  claws.    "  Where  is  Eebecca — my  Eebecca?  " 

Gabriel  Nietzel  stared  at  the  count  with  frenzied  fury, 
with  devouring  grief.  Schwarzenberg  cast  down  his  eyes, 
a  shudder  passed  over  his  frame,  and  terror-stricken  he  turned 
his  head.  It  seemed  to  him  as  if,  while  Gabriel  pressed  upon 
his  shoulders  in  front,  some  one  came  stealthily  up  to  him 
from  behind.  He  heard  a  cry — a  death  cry!  The  Fury  was 
there  again!    He  could  not  escape  her  now! 

"  Let  me  go,  Gabriel  Nietzel,"  he  said  feebly.  "  Quit  your 
hold,  go  away.  I  will  give  you  treasures,  honors,  distinctions, 
if  you  only  quit  your  hold  and  go  away!  " 

"  What  will  you  give  me,  if  I  let  you  go  ?  "  screamed  Gabriel 
Nietzel,  tightening  his  grasp  and  shaking  him  violently. 
"  What  will  you  give  me?  " 

"  I  will  give  you  a  fine  house,  I  will  give  you  thousands, 
I  will  give  you  rank  and  titles.  Tell  me  what  you  want,  and 
I  will  give  it  to  you!  " 

"  Give  me  Eebecca!  I  want  Jier  and  her  alone!  Tell  me 
where  she  is  or  I  will  kill  you!  " 

"  She  is  in  my  house  at  Spandow,"  said  the  count  hastily. 
"  Come,  we  will  go  away.  You  shall  have  your  Eebecca  again. 
Come,  let  us  go!    Eebecca  is  longing  for  you!    Come!  " 

"You  are  deceiving  me!"  laughed  Gabriel  Nietzel.     "I 


REVENGE.  403 

see  it  in  your  eyes,  you  are  deceiving  me.  You  want  me  to 
open  the  doors,  and  then  you  will  call  your  people.  There 
is  no  truth  in  what  you  say.  Eebecca  is  not  at  Spandow;  I 
know  that,  for  I  have  been  there.  I  stood  many  hours  before 
the  wdndows  of  your  palace  and  called  upon  her  name.  She 
would  have  heard  if  she  had  been  there;  she  would  have  come 
to  me — she  would  have  freed  me  from  all  my  sufferings. 
For,  you  must  know,  my  Eebecca  loved  me!  Because  she 
loved  me,  that  she  might  expiate  the  crime  which  you  had 
tempted  me  to  commit,  that  she  might  lift  the  weight  of  sin 
from  my  head,  she  went  back  to  Berlin  and  bade  me  go  on 
with  our  child.  I  had  solemnly  sworn  that  to  her,  and  I  kept 
my  oath.  I  went  on,  following  the  route  we  had  agreed  upon 
together.  I  waited  for  her  at  every  resting  place,  and  always 
waited  in  vain.  I  came  to  Venice,  and  went  to  the  house  of 
Eebecca's  father;  but  she  was  not  there.  I  wanted  to  go  in 
search  of  her,  but  they  held  me  fast,  they  imprisoned  me  in 
a  dark  dungeon.  And  there  I  sat  a  whole  century,  and  yet 
was  patient,  ever  waiting  for  the  moment  when  I  might  escape 
from  them  and  go  to  look  for  my  Eebecca.  And  at  last  the 
moment  came.  The  jailer  entered  to  bring  me  my  food;  we 
were  quite  alone,  and  they  had  taken  off  my  chains,  for  I  had 
been  harmless  and  gentle  for  some  months  past.  I  seized  him, 
choked  him,  so  that  he  could  not  scream,  took  his  keys,  and 
fled.  God  helped  me;  he  always  pities  the  poor  and  unfortu- 
nate— he  knew  that  I  wanted  to  search  for  Eebecca.  I  came 
to  Germany;  I  enlisted  as  a  soldier,  for  I  durst  not  die  of 
hunger,  else  I  could  not  reach  Berlin  and  find  my  Eebecca. 
But  now  I  am  here,  and  ask  you  in  the  name  of  God  and  in 
view  of  the  judgment  day,  where  is  Eebecca?  " 

"  I  do  not  know,"  murmured  Count  Schwarzenberg,  whom 
Gabriel  Nietzel  still  held  closely  pinioned  in  his  grasp. 

"  You  do  not  know?  "  shrieked  Gabriel  ISTietzel.  "  I  read 
it  in  your  face,  you  have  murdered  her.  Yes,  yes,  I  see  it, 
I  feel  it — you  have  murdered  her!  Confess  it,  wretch!  fall 
down  upon  your  knees  and  confess  that  you  have  murdered 
Rebecca! " 

Schwarzenberg  would  have  denied  it,  but  he  could  not; 
conscience  paralyzed  his  tongue,  so  that  it  could  not  utter  the 


404  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

falsehood.  He  wanted  to  make  resistance  against  those  dread- 
ful hands  which  held  him  fast,  but  he  had  no  more  power. 
Everything  swam  before  him,  there  was  a  roaring  in  his  ears, 
his  knees  tottered  and  shook,  and  the  perspiration  stood  in 
great  drops  upon  his  brow. 

"  Mercy,"  he  murmured,  with  quivering  lips — "  mercy!  I 
will  make  good  again,  I " 

"  Can  you  give  me  Eebecca  again?  "  asked  Gabriel,  who 
now  suddenly  passed  from  the  extreme  of  wrath  to  a  cold 
tranquillity.  "  Can  you  undo  and  make  null  your  evil  deeds? 
Can  you  take  from  me  the  guilt  you  brought  upon  me?  No, 
you  can  not,  and  therefore  you  must  die,  for  crime  must  be 
expiated!  You  murdered  my  Eebecca,  and  therefore  I  shall 
murder  you.  Adam  Schwarzenberg,  pray  your  last  prayer, 
for  I  am  here  to  kill  you!  " 

"  No,  you  will  not!  "  cried  Schwarzenberg.  "  No;  you 
will  be  reasonable — you  will  accept  my  offers!  I  promise  you 
wealth  and  consideration,  I " 

"  Silence  and  pray,  for  you  must  die!  Death  is  here,  Adam 
Schwarzenberg,  for  Gabriel  Nietzel  is  here!  " 

He  saw  it,  he  knew  that  Gabriel  spoke  the  truth.  He  kneM^ 
that  this  man,  with  the  pale,  distorted,  grief-worn  face,  with 
those  large  eyes  flaming  with  the  fires  of  insanity,  was  to  be 
his  murderer.  Death  had  come  to  summon  him  away — death 
in  the  form  of  Gabriel  Nietzel! 

And  so,  he  was  to  die!  He,  the  mighty,  the  rich,  the  noble 
Count  Schwarzenberg!  He  whose  name  all  Germany  revered, 
Tie  before  whom  all  bowed  in  humility,  who  had  had  control 
over  millions!  He  was  to  die  by  the  hand  of  a  madman,  to 
die  alone,  unwept!  If  his  son  were  only  with  him,  his  dear, 
his  only  son,  who  loved  him,  who 

"  Have  you  prayed?  "  asked  Gabriel  Nietzel,  who  had  been 
waiting  in  silence. 

"  No,"  said  Schwarzenberg,  startled  out  of  his  train  of 
thought — "  no,  I  have  not  prayed!    Why  do  you  ask  that?  " 

"  Because  you  must  die! "  replied  Gabriel  Nietzel,  grasp- 
ing him  more  firmly  with  his  left  hand,  and  with  his  right 
drawing  forth  a  dagger  from  his  breast.  The  count  profited 
by  this  moment,  tore  himself  loose,  jumped  back,  and  rushed 


REVENGE.  405 

toward  the  open  door  of  the  secret  passage.  But  Nietzel 
sprang  past  him,  and  already  stood  before  the  door,  confront- 
ing him  again!  As  he  saw  the  dagger  gUtter  in  the  air,  he  re- 
membered, with  the  rapidity  of  thought,  the  instant  when  he 
had  stood  before  Eebecca,  with  the  drawn  dagger  in  his  hand. 

She  had  cried  "  Mercy!  mercy!  "  He  wanted  to  cry  so, 
too,  but  could  not!  Like  a  flash  of  lightning  it  darted  across 
his  eyes,  like  a  crushing  blow  it  fell  upon  his  brain.  He  ut- 
tered a  piercing  shriek,  tumbled  backward,  and  fell  upon  the 
ground,  with  rattling  in  his  throat  and  with  dimmed  eyes! 

Gabriel  Nietzel  bent  over  him  and  looked  long  into  that 
convulsed  countenance,  and  into  those  eyes  which  were  fixed 
upon  him  with  a  look  of  entreaty!  Nietzel  understood  that 
look.  "  No,"  he  said  roughly — "  no,  I  do  not  forgive  you,  I 
have  no  pity  upon  you.  Be  you  cursed  and  condemned,  and  go 
to  the  grave  in  your  sins!  God  has  been  gracious  to  me;  he  has 
not  willed  it  that  I  should  be  stained  with  your  blood.  He  has 
laid  his  own  hand  upon  you  and  smitten  you.  You  will  per- 
haps have  long  to  suffer  yet.     Suffer!  " 

He  put  up  his  dagger,  strode  through  the  apartment, 
stepped  out  upon  the  secret  passage  and  closed  the  door  be- 
hind him. 

"  And  now,"  he  said,  when  he  found  himself  outside — 
"  now  I  shall  go  and  acknowledge  my  sins  to  the  Elector.  He 
will  be  compassionate,  and  allow  me  to  mount  the  scaffold.  I 
shall  then  have  atoned  for  all,  and  will  once  more  be  united 
to  my  Rebecca! " 

\Yas  it  possible  that  this  wretched,  sobbing,  deathly  pale 
something,  lying  there  on  the  floor  of  the  cabinet,  was  but 
a  few  hours  since  the  proud,  the  mighty,  the  dreaded  and 
courted  Count  Adam  von  Schwarzenberg,  the  Stadtholder 
in  the  Mark?  Now  he  was  a  poor  dying  beggar,  longing  for 
a  drink  of  water,  and  with  no  one  near  to  hand  him  the  re- 
freshing draught;  who  longed  for  a  tear,  and  had  no  one  to 
weep  for  him;  who  longed  for  forgiveness,  and  God  himself 
would  not  forgive  him!  Hours,  eternities  of  anguish  went 
by,  and  still  he  lay  helpless  and  solitary  upon  the  floor!  He 
plainly  heard  how  they  came  and  knocked,  and  then  moved 
softly  away,  because  they  supposed  that  he  had  shut  himself  up 


406  THE   HEIR  TO   THE   THRONE. 

to  work.  He  heard  them,  but  he  could  not  call,  for  his  tongue 
was  palsied!  He  could  not  move,  for  his  limbs  were  para- 
lyzed! 

Hours,  eternities  of  anguish  went  by.  Then  his  old  valet 
came  through  the  secret  door,  creeping  softly  in,  and  found 
him,  that  pitiable  creature,  on  the  floor,  and  screamed  for  help. 
Then  the  doors  were  broken  down,  and  the  servants  came 
and  the  physicians.  They  lifted  him  up  and  bore  him  to  the 
divan.  He  breathed,  he  lived!  Perhaps  help  might  not  yet 
be  impossible! 

Everything  was  tried,  but  all  in  vain.  He  still  lived  and 
breathed,  but  he  was  paralyzed  in  all  his  limbs,  and  soon  the 
inner  organs,  too,  refused  to  exercise  their  functions.  They 
removed  the  invalid  to  Spandow  because  the  mutinous  regi- 
ments were  perpetually  threatening  to  renew  their  attack  upon 
the  count's  palace,  and  might  disturb  the  repose  of  the  dying 
man.  There  he  lay  in  his  castle,  a  living  corpse  for  four  days 
more,  with  open  eyes,  giving  token  that  he  heard  and  under- 
stood what  was  passing  about  him.  Finally,  at  the  end  of 
four  days,  on  the  4th  of  March,  1641,  Count  Adam  von 
Schwarzenberg  closed  his  eyes,  and  of  the  haughty,  powerful, 
dreaded  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark,  nothing  was  left  but  cold, 
stiff  clay!  * 

*  Count  Schwarzenberg  was  buried  in  the  village  church  at  Spandow, 
his  entrails  in  a  separate  case  beside  him.  The  sudden  and  unexpected 
death  of  the  Stadtholder  excited  uncommon  attention  through  Germany, 
and  a  report  was  circulated  that  upon  the  count's  retiring  to  Spandow 
on  account  of  ill  health  the  Elector  had  caused  him  to  be  arrested,  and 
secretly  beheaded  in  prison.  Even  as  late  as  the  times  of  Frederick  the 
Great  this  report  was  commonly  believed,  and  Frederick,  when  he  wished 
to  write  a  history  of  the  reigning  house,  had  the  count's  coffin  opened  to 
ascertain  whether  the  head  was  separate  from  the  body.  No  trace  of  a 
violent  severing  of  the  head  from  the  body  was,  however,  discovered. 
See  Pollnitz,  Memoirs,  vol.  iv,  p.  40 ;  Droysen,  vol.  iii,  p.  232. 


THE  SEALING  OF  THE  DOCUMENTS.  407 


VII. — The  Sealing  of  the  Documents. 

A  CODRIEE,  sent  to  Eegensburg  by  Herr  von  Kracht,  com- 
mandant of  Berlin,  immediately  upon  the  decease  of  Count 
Adam  Schwarzenberg,  had  prompted  his  son  Count  John 
Adolphus  to  expedite  his  departure  from  that  place,  and  to 
journey  by  forced  stages  to  Berlin.  He  repaired  first  to  Span- 
dow,  and  had  his  father's  embalmed  remains  interred  with 
great  pomp  in  the  village  church.  After  having  thus  dis- 
charged this  first  fihal  duty,  he  proceeded  to  Berlin  to  take 
possession  of  the  inheritance  left  him  by  his  father. 

The  whole  inheritance!  Not  the  smallest  part  of  it  should 
be  abstracted  from  him!  In  his  father's  lifetime  he  had  been 
appointed  his  coadjutor  in  the  Order  of  the  Knights  of  Malta; 
now,  since  his  father  was  dead  he  must  be  liis  successor,  must 
be  Grand  Master  of  the  Order  of  St.  John.  He  sent  orders  to 
Sonnenberg,  summoning  a  solemn  chapter  of  the  order  to 
hold  its  sitting,  and  to  send  in  the  oath  of  service  due  him. 
In  his  father's  lifetime  he  had  been  his  associate  in  the  office 
of  Stadtholder;  now,  his  father  being  no  more,  he  claimed 
the  stadtholdership  in  the  Mark  as  his  lawful  heritage.  And 
his  friends  and  adherents  strengthened  the  ambitious  young 
count  in  these  pretentions.  As  soon  as  John  Adolphus  had 
taken  up  his  residence  in  Berlin,  Commandant  von  Kracht 
placed  guards  before  the  gates  of  his  palace,  and  evei-y  even- 
ing demanded  a  watchword  from  the  young  nobleman. 

Commandant  von  Eochow  of  Spandow  placed  himself  and 
his  garrison  wholly  at  the  disposal  of  the  "young  Stadt- 
holder," and  Colonel  von  Goldacker  swore  that  he  would  obey 
the  orders  of  none  other  than  Count  John  Adolphus,  Grand 
Master  of  the  Order  of  St.  John  and  Stadtholder  in  the 
Mark. 

Count  John  Adolphus  allowed  himself  to  be  rocked  in  these 
golden  dreams  of  power  and  ambition,  believed  in  their  reali- 
zation, and  was  firmly  determined  to  do  everything  to  prove 
their  truth.  He  accepted  the  guard,  gave  the  watchword, 
and  sent  orders  to  Sonnenburg.  as  if  he  were  already  elected 
grand  master;  he  required  an  oath  of  fealty  from  all  those 


408  THE  HEIR  TO   THE   THRONE. 

places  which  had  been  pledged  to  his  father  by  the  Elector 
George  William.  He  also  issued  his  mandates  in  Berlin,  and 
toward  magistrates  and  Judiciary  he  assumed  the  attitude 
of  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark.  And  nobody  ventured  to  con- 
tradict him,  no  court  had  the  spirit  to  oppose  him,  for  the 
young  count  stood  at  the  head  of  a  host  of  powerful  and  in- 
fluential friends;  the  courts  were  weak  and  powerless,  and 
as  yet  no  instructions  had  been  received  from  the  Elector  at 
Konigsberg. 

Count  John  Adolphus  husbanded  his  time  well.  He  sent 
messengers  in  all  directions,  corresponded  with  all  his  father's 
friends  and  adherents,  summoning  them  to  rally  around  him, 
and  to  come  sword  in  hand.  He  held  correspondence  also 
with  the  father  confessor  Silvio  at  Vienna,  nay,  even  with 
the  Emperor  himself.  Eestlessly  active  was  he  from  morning 
till  night,  his  whole  being  absorbed  in  this  one  effort — to  ruin 
the  Elector,  and  to  win  for  himself  his  rank  and  power!  His 
friends  seconded  him  in  striving  to  attain  this  great  end. 
Everywhere  they  were  active,  everywhere  they  sought  to  work 
for  him  and  to  procure  him  adherents.  At  Spandow  and  Ber- 
lin the  Commandants  von  Kracht  and  von  Kochow  declared 
themselves  ready  to  place  garrison  and  fortress  entirely  under 
his  direction;  Colonel  von  Goldacker,  commandant  of 
Brandenburg,  had  betaken  himself  to  his  post,  and  only 
awaited  the  count's  word  to  sound  the  tocsin  of  war.  In 
Konigsberg  the  Court  Marshal  von  Waldow  was  most  ener- 
getically massing  the  friends  of  Schwarzenberg,  and  his 
brother,  Sebastian  von  Waldow,  traveled  from  place  to  place, 
to  gain  friends  and  partisans  for  Count  John  Adolphus,  and 
to  ask  them  to  come  to  Berlin,  that,  in  case  of  danger,  the 
count  might  be  prepared  to  make  a  bold  front  against  his 
foes.  His  friends  everywhere  led  a  life  of  bustle  and  stir,  and 
all  proclaimed  themselves  ready  joyfully  to  unsheathe  their 
swords  in  behalf  of  the  young  count,  and  to  do  battle  for  him  if 
the  Elector  should  refuse  to  confirai  him  in  all  his  father's 
appointments. 

"He  will  not  refuse,"  said  John  Adolphus  to  himself, 
when  he  had  just  finished  reading  the  report  of  his  agent, 
Otto  von  Marwitz,  which  had  onlv  that  morning  reached  him. 


THE  SEALIXG  OF   THE  DOCUMENTS.  409 

"  Xo,  the  -weak,  impotent  Elector  will  not  dare  to  refuse  to 
acknowledge  me  as  m}^  father's  successor;  for  he  must  be  well 
aware  that  I  am  even  now  more  powerful  in  the  Mark  than 
himself,  and  enjoy,  moreover,  the  favor  and  protection  of 
the  Emperor.  He  will  not  dare  to  attack  me.  I  shall  be  sus- 
tained by  him  in  my  position  of  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark,  and 
then — from  Stadtholder  to  independent  Sovereign  requires 
but  one  step,  wliich  I  mean  to  take,  and " 

The  door  was  violently  burst  open  and  Sebastian  von  Wal- 
dow  rushed  in. 

"Count!"  he  cried,  gasping  for  breath — "Count,  we  are 
lost!" 

"What  is  the  matter?    Say,  what  is  the  matter?  " 

"  Conrad  von  Burgsdorf  has  captured  the  letters  sent  to 
you  and  myself,  from  Konigsberg,  by  my  brother,  the  marshal, 
in  which  was  a  full  statement  of  a  plan  for  open  war." 

"  For  God's  sake,  who  says  so?    How  do  you  know  that?  " 

"  One  of  our  secret  friends,  who  keeps  his  eye  upon  Burgs- 
dorf, came  to  tell  me,  that  I  might  have  opportunity  of  warn- 
ing you.  In  the  course  of  a  ride  taken  by  Burgsdorf  and  his 
men  in  the  environs  of  Berlin,  they  captured  the  servant  whom 
my  brother  had  intrusted  with  dispatches  for  you  and  mj'^self.* 
The  dispatches  he  sent  forthwith  by  a  courier  to  Konigsberg, 
and  the  servant  was  hurried  off  to  the  fortress  of  Kiistrin,  that 
he  might  be  unable  to  communicate  with  us." 

"  That  is  bad  news  indeed,"  said  John  Adolphus  thought- 
fully. "  It  also  explains  to  me  why  Burgsdorf  and  his  men 
have  taken  up  their  abode  here,  and  frequently  talk  so  cap- 
tiously and  insolently  when  excited  by  wine.  It  is  palpable 
that  he  has  been  commissioned  to  watch  and,  if  need  be,  arrest 
us.  "We  must  therefore  be  on  our  guard,  too,  and  render  him 
harmless;  that  is  to  say,  we  must  imprison  him,  so  that  he  can 
not  imprison  us." 

"  If  I  only  knew  the  contents  of  tlie  package,"  murmured 
Sebastian  von  Waldow.  "  In  the  last  letter  which  I  received 
from  my  brother  he  stated  that  he  hoped  soon  to  be  able  to 
announce  with  certainty  whether  the  Elector  would  nominate 
you  Stadtholder  or  select  some  one  else.    Now  this  very  letter 

*  See  Droysen,  History  of  Prussian  Politics. 


410  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

has  been  intercepted,  and  we  are  left  in  utter  darkness  and  un- 
certainty." 

"  Gracious  sir,"  proclaimed  an  advancing  lackey,  "  an 
officer  from  Commandant  von  Kracht  begs  to  be  admitted, 
as  he  is  charged  with  a  verbal  message  from  the  commandant." 

"  Admit  him,"  ordered  the  count,  going  hastily  to  meet 
the  officer,  who  was  just  stepping  into  the  room. 

"  Sir  Count,  I  have  bad  news  for  you.  Colonel  von  Kracht 
has  just  been  arrested.  He  commissioned  me  to  convey  the 
tidings  to  you  as  he  was  led  away." 

Count  John  Adolphus  grew  slightly  pale,  and  exchanged 
a  rapid  glance  of  intellig'^nce  with  Sebastian  von  Waldow. 
"  Who  arrested  Colonel  von  Kracht?  "  he  asked. 

"  Colonel  Conrad  von  Burgsdorf,  most  gracious  sir.  He 
showed  Herr  von  Kracht  his  orders,  signed  by  the  Elector 
himself,  and,  as  he  came  with  a  strong  posse,  the  colonel  could 
not  resist,  but  was  obliged  to  submit." 

"  It  is  well;  I  thank  you,"  said  John  Adolphus  quietly, 
and  the  officer  took  his  leave.  "  Well,  Sebastian,"  he  said, 
turning  to  his  confidant,  "  you  were  right,  the  captured  papers 
must  have  been  of  dangerous  import,  for  we  already  see  the 
results.  Our  enemies  are  active,  and  I  like  that,  for  thereby 
the  denouement  will  be  hastened  and  our  victory  brought 
nearer.    For  conquer  we  will !  " 

"  Conquer  or  die!  "  sighed  Sebastian  von  Waldow. 

Again  was  the  door  thrown  open  violently,  and  the  count's 
high  steward  hurried  in,  trembling  and  pale  as  a  sheet. 
"  Your  grace,  Colonel  von  Burgsdorf,  Colonel  von  Burgs- 
dorf," stammered  he. 

"  What  of  him?  "  inquired  the  count  hastily.  "  Speak, 
answer  me,  Wallenrodt,  what  of  Colonel  von  Burgsdorf?  " 

"■'  Nothing  further  than  that  he  ordered  your  high  steward 
to  conduct  him  hither  and  announce  him  to  you,"  said  a  rough, 
mocking  voice  behind  the  count. 

It  was  Conrad  von  Burgsdorf  who  thus  spoke.  He  had 
just  entered  the  apartment,  and  strode  forward  without  apology 
or  more  formal  salutation. 

"  Count  John  Adolphus  von  Schwarzenberg,"  continued 
Burgsdorf,  approaching  close  to  the  count,  "  I  have  come  to 


I 


THE  SEALING  OP  THE  DOCUMENTS.  4,11 

do  what  should  have  been  done  long  before,  to  seal  the  papers 
of  the  late  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark,  and  to  take  them  with 
me." 

"  Very  fine,"  returned  the  count  contemptuously.  "  Will 
you  have  the  goodness  to  tell  me  whether  my  revered  father 
imparted  any  such  instructions  to  you  before  his  death,  and 
if  so,  show  me  the  written  order,  for  otherwise  I  would  not 
be  inclined  to  give  you  credence." 

"  Have  received  no  orders  from  the  deceased  count,"  re- 
plied Burgsdorf,  shrugging  his  shoulders.  "  Would  have 
received  no  orders  from  him,  for  there  is  only  one  under  whom 
I  serve,  and  that  one  is  my  master,  the  Elector  Frederick  Wil- 
liam. He  ordered  me  to  affix  his  signet  to  all  the  papers  left 
by  Count  Adam  Schwarzenberg,  and  I  have  therefore  come 
to  obey  these  orders." 

"  Where  is  the  written  order?  " 

"  Have  no  written  order,  but  obtained  a  verbal  one  just 
a  half  hour  ago." 

"  Ah,  it  pleases  you  to  jest,"  cried  Count  Adolphus  scorn- 
full}^  "  You  have  come  from  Konigsberg  here  in  a  half  hour? 
If  you  will  condescend  to  receive  no  commands  save  from  the 
Elector,  then  you  must  have  spoken  with  him,  and,  as  far  as  I 
know,  the  Elector  is  at  Konigsberg." 

"  Your  knowledge  goes  not  far,  my  pretty  sir,"  said  Burgs- 
dorf contemptuously.  "  You  are  in  everything  a  very  unad- 
vised and  ignorant  young  gentleman.  The  Elector  is  indeed 
at  Konigsberg,  but,  nevertheless,  he  has  made  known  liis  will 
to  me  through  the  newly  appointed  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark, 
who  arrived  here,  incognito,  early  this  morning." 

"  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark!  "  cried  Count  John  Adolphus 
defiantly.  "  I  know  no  one  who  can  lay  claim  to  that  title  but 
myself  alone!  " 

"  But  I  know  some  one  who  has  not  merely  the  title  but 
the  office  itself,  and  that  person  is  the  Margrave  Ernest  von 
Jagerndorf.    Herr  von  Metzdorf,  come  in!  " 

In  answer  to  Burgsdorf's  loud  call  a  young  officer  advanced 
through  the  door  leading  from  the  adjacent  room,  which  had 
"been  left  ajar,  and  stood  on  the  threshold  awaiting  further 
orders.       ^^ 


412  THE   UEIR  TO   TUE  TUiioNE. 

"  Hand  Count  Adolphus  von  Schwarzenberg  the  Stadt- 
holder's  printed  manifesto,"  said  Burgsdorf.  Lieutenant  von 
Metxdorf  drew  near  the  count,  extending  toward  him  a  huge 
slieet  of  paper.  "  Read,  my  dear  httle  count!  "  cried  Burgs- 
dorf. "  Only  read!  Yes,  yes,  it  contains  very  interesting  in- 
telligence. Margrave  Ernest  informs  the  citizens  of  Berlin 
and  Cologne  that  he  has  been  nominated  by  our  gracious 
Elector  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark,  and  has  entered  upon  the 
duties  of  his  new  office.  He  further  informs  the  good  folks 
of  Berlin,  that  his  Electoral  Grace  has  been  pleased  to  appoint 
Conrad  von  Burgsdorf  superintendent  of  all  the  fortresses 
within  the  Electorate  and  Mark  of  Brandenburg.  Colonel 
Conrad  von  Burgsdorf  am  I,  and  in  my  province  as  superin- 
tendent of  all  the  fortresses  I  shall  have  all  those  arrested  who 
refuse  to  swear  allegiance  to  their  Sovereign  and  Elector, 
Colonel  von  Kracht  has  experienced  this,  and  his  confederates 
shall  soon  enough  acquire  like  knowledge.  Count  von 
Schwarzenberg,  will  you  have  the  goodness  to  let  me  proceed 
to  seal  the  papers,  or  must  I  use  force  by  virtue  of  my  right 
and  authority?  " 

"  You  are  the  stronger,"  replied  the  count,  shrugging  his 
shoulders,  "  or,  rather,  brute  force  is  on  your  side,  and  against 
this  'twere  irrational  to  contend.  Do  what  I  can  not  hinder. 
Seal  up  my  father's  papers.  I  should  think,  however,  that  my 
own  papers  would  be  exempt  from  this  procedure,-  and  I  hope 
the  contents  of  my  own  desk  will  be  respected."  As  he  spoke 
he  cast  a  furtive  glance  upon  his  steward  von  Wallenrodt,  who, 
nodding  almost  imperceptibly,  slowly  retreated  to  the  door. 

"  I  shall  seal  indiscriminately  all  the  papers  and  desk? 
found  in  the  palace,"  exclaimed  Colonel  von  Burgsdorf. 
*'  This  whole  palace,  with  all  it  contains,  belonged  to  Count 
Adam  Schwarzenberg,  and  my  orders  are  to  seal  and  remove 
all  papers  left  by  that  gentleman.  You  see  that  I  can  not 
and  will  not  make  distinctions  as  to  what  is  yours  and  what 
your  deceased  father's." 

"  I  believe,  indeed,  that  the  art  of  reading  is  for  you  diffi- 
cult, nay  almost  impossible.  Colonel  von  Burgsdorf! " 

"You  believe  so?  You  are  mistaken,  my  yonng  sir.  I 
can  even  read  what  is  written  upon  men's  faces,  and  read  upon 


THE  SEALING  OF  THE  DOCUMENTS.  413 

your  brow  that  you  are  not  merely  puffed  up  with  self-impor- 
tance, but  that  you  are  likewise  forging  wicked  and  dangerous 
plans,  and  have  been  led  away  by  your  ambition  to  desire  things 
unsuitable  for  you.  Come  now,  count,  and  accompany  me  into 
your  father's  cabinet." 

"  No!  '■'  cried  the  count — "  no,  I  will  do  no  such  thing! 
It  shall  not  be  said  that  I  voluntarily  submitted  to  treason 
and  brutal  violence!  " 

"  Well,  my  little  count,"  cried  Burgsdorf,  laughing,  "  if 
you  will  not  act  as  guide  of  your  own  accord,  you  must  be  forced 
to  do  so  nolens  volens.  You  need  not  show  us  tlife  way,  for  we 
will  merely  go  from  chamber  to  chamber  and  affix  our  seal 
to  all  the  papers  we  can  find.  But  the  law  requires  your  pres- 
ence, and  your  presence  we  shall  have.  Lieutenant  von  Metz- 
dorf  and  Lieutenant  von  Frohberg,  each  of  you  give  an  arm 
to  Count  von  Schwarzenberg.  Sustain  and  support  him  well, 
for  the  young  gentleman  feels  a  little  unwell  and  can  not  go 
alone." 

The  two  officers  approached  the  count,  who  looked  at  them 
with  threatening  mien.  "  Do  not  dare  to  touch  me!  "  he  cried 
angrily.    "  I  will  not  follow  you!    I  will  not  go!  " 

"  You  wall  not  go,  will  you  not  ?  Not  even  when  my 
officers  offer  you  their  arms?  " 

"  I  will  not  go,  but  I  shall  complain  to  the  Emperor  of  the 
violence  done  me,  and  he  will  procure  me  satisfaction." 

"Well,  we  shall  bide  our  time,"  said  Burgsdorf  placidly. 
"  For  the  present  it  only  concerns  us  to  obtain  your  honored 
companionship.  Since,  however,  you  declare  that  you  can  not 
go  afoot,  I  shall  carry  you!  " 

And  before  the  young  count  could  prevent  it,  Burgsdorf 
had  seized  him  in  his  gigantic  arms  and  lifted  him  up. 

"  Forward  now,  gentlemen,"  he  said,  stepping  briskly  a 
few  paces  in  advance,  bearing  the  count  as  lightly  and  easily 
in  his  arms  as  if  he  had  been  an  infant. 

"  Let  me  descend  from  the  wine  cask,  Colonel  von  Burgs- 
dorf," said  Count  Adolphus,  smilingly  and  composedly.  "I 
have  attained  my  end.  I  only  wanted  to  defer  the  sealing 
for  a  few  minutes.  Having  succeeded  in  effecting  this,  I  shall 
no  longer  oppose  any  obstacle  to  your  progress." 


414  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

"  So  much  the  better,"  cried  Burgsdorf,  setting  him  on  the 
ground.  "  For,  even  if  you  were  as  light  as  a  feather,  I  would 
ratlier  have  free  use  of  my  arms  and  hands;  and,  besides,  do 
not  like  such  close  contact  with  any  birds  of  your  plumage. 
Now,  Sir  Imperial  Counselor,  let  us  to  work  and  commence 
the  process  of  sealing." 

"  Well  and  good,"  said  Count  John  Adolphus,  "  only  per- 
mit me  to  ask  one  question.  To  what  end  this  sealing,  and 
when  will  the  signet  be  removed?  I  am  my  father's  sole  heir; 
already  I  have  had  the  will  opened  and  read  in  the  presence 
of  competent  witnesses,  and  in  accordance  with  my  father's 
expressed  desire  entered  into  possession  of  the  whole  inherit- 
ance. The  affixing  of  the  seal  appears  to  me,  therefore,  to  be 
superfluous.  If  done  at  all,  it  should  have  been  attended  to 
before  the  opening  of  the  will." 

"  It  has  been  delayed,  alas! "  replied  Conrad  von  Burgs- 
dorf, "  and  it  has  resulted  from  the  fact  that  since  the  Stadt- 
holder's  death  there  has  been  nobody  to  issue  orders  or  defend 
the  right.  But  now,  as  we  have  once  more  a  Stadtholder  in  the 
Mark,  all  will  be  different,  and  those  who  put  themselves  in 
opposition  may  be  on  their  guard,  for  we  seal  not  merely 
papers,  but  men.  As  regards  your  question,  count,  the  sealing 
affects  your  inheritance  only  in  so  far  as  you  have  presumed 
to  include  among  your  estates  several  districts  and  domains 
pertaining  to  the  Elector,  and  have  been  in  indecent  haste 
to  take  possession  of  them." 

"  These  domains  were  given  in  pledge  to  my  father,  and 
never  redeemed." 

"  That  remains  to  be  decided,  and,  for  the  purpose  of  set- 
tling this  as  well  as  many  other  matters,  the  Elector  has  or- 
dained that  a  judicial  court  shall  sit.  He  himself  named  the 
gentlemen  who  were  to  constitute  this  board  of  investigation, 
which  will  enter  upon  its  duties  early  to-morrow  morning, 
and  begin  by  removing  the  seal  from  the  papers  which  I  am 
to  make  myself  master  of  to-day.  The  chairman  of  this 
committee  is  the  president  of  the  privy  council,  von  Gotze." 

"  I  know  of  no  President  von  Gotze." 

"Yes,  yes,  your  father  deprived  Herr  von  Gotze  of  his 
office  because  he  would  not  dance  to  the  Stadtholder's  piping. 


THE  SEALING  OF  THE  DOCUMENTS.  415 

and  was  not  his  devoted  servant  to  say  yes  to  everything.  But 
for  that  very  reason  onr  young  Elector  has  installed  him  again 
in  his  office,  and  given  orders,  moreover,  that  he  be  the  presi- 
dent of  the  committee  of  investigation.  And  now,  as  I  have 
answered  all  your  questions  with  praiseworthy  patience  and 
to  my  own  satisfaction,  let  us  at  last  proceed  to  sealing,  and 
make  a  beginning  in  this  very  room.  Shut  the  doors.  Lieu- 
tenant von  Metzdorf,  and  allow  no  one  to  go  out  who  was  here 
at  our  entrance." 

"  Colonel,"  replied  the  lieutenant,  "  the  high  steward  von 
Wallenrodt  left  the  room  a  while  ago,  but,  as  you  had  given 
no  orders  to  that  effect,  I  could  not  detain  him.  He  went  out 
just  when  you  took  the  count  up  in  your  arms." 

"Humph!  That  is  the  reason  why  the  count  wanted  to 
divert  my  attention  for  some  minutes,  that  his  steward  might 
have  time  to  execute  his  secret  commission!  "  cried  the  colonel 
stamping  his  foot  passionately.  "  We  ought  to  have  reflected 
that  we  had  sly  foxes  to  deal  Avith,  and  guarded  every  outlet 
beforehand.  Lieutenant  von  Metzdorf,  place  a  man  at  every 
door  and  let  no  one  out.  Lieutenant  von  Frohberg,  take  with 
3'ou  four  soldiers,  and  search  the  whole  palace;  if  you  find 
von  \Yallenrodt,  arrest  and  search  him." 

"  Colonel,  that  is  going  too  far!  "  cried  Count  John  Adol- 
phus,  pale  with  rage  and  excitement.  "  You  have  no  right 
to  arrest  and  search  my  servant.  I  interpose  my  protest,  and 
-will  bring  you  to  account  before  his  Majesty  the  Emperor." 

"  I  shall  take  care  of  that,"  replied  the  colonel  composedly. 
"If  I  have  done  wrong,  let  the  committee  of  investigation 
call  me  to  account.  The  Emperor  in  Vienna  has  nothing 
to  do  with  me,  and  has  no  right  to  meddle  in  the  administra- 
tion of  justice  among  us." 

"  We  shall  see  about  that!  "  cried  the  count,  with  a  threat- 
ening gesture. 

"  Yes,  we  shall  see!  But  first  we  must  see  where  the  papers 
are,  which  we  are  to  seal  and  cairy  off.  Open  that  table 
drawer,  count,  and  let  us  see  what  it  contains." 

Count  Adolphus  had  to  submit  to  having  every  desk  and 
table  searched,  and  wherever  papers  were  found,  the  great 
seal  of  the  Electoral  privy  council  was  affixed,  and  they  were 


416  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

then  removed.  He  had  also  to  submit  to  having  the  whole 
palace  ransacked  from  garret  to  cellar  in  search  of  the  steward 
von  Wallenrodt.  The  sealing  he  could  not  prevent,  but  he 
had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  the  soldiers  fail  in  discovering 
the  hiding  place  of  his  steward  after  making  the  strictest  pos- 
sible search,  as  well  as  of  witnessing  Colonel  Burgsdorf's  dis- 
appointment on  opening  Count  Adolphus's  own  writing  desk 
to  find  it  perfectly  empty. 

"  I  said  so,"  growled  Burgsdorf .  "  We  forgot  that  we  were 
dealing  with  sly  foxes,  and  barred  the  doors  too  late.  Count 
John  Adolphus  von  Schwarzenberg,  the  sealing  is  over.  Now 
comes  the  performance  of  my  second  duty.  I  have  to  an- 
nounce to  you  on  the  part  of  Margrave  Ernest,  Stadtholder 
in  the  Mark,  that  you  are  under  arrest  in  your  own  house  until 
further  notice,  and  are  on  no  account  whatever  to  be  allowed 
to  leave  the  palace.  Here  is  the  warrant,  that  you  may  not 
say  I  am  acting  without  orders." 

He  drew  forth  a  paper,  unfolded  it,  and  handed  it  to  the 
count,  who  rapidly  glanced  over  it. 

"  I  see,"  said  he,  with  proud  composure,  '•'  you  are  acting 
under  authority,  and  are  merely  your  master's  faithful  beadle. 
May  I  keep  this  warrant?  " 

■"Why  so?" 

"  To  hand  it  to  the  Emperor,  and  show  him  with  what 
disrespect  they  have  dared  to  act  against  his  counselor  and 
chamberlain." 

"  Keep  the  bill  of  indictment,"  said  Burgsdorf  quietly. 
"  I  shall  be  much  surprised  if  you  shortly  find  yourself  in  a 
condition  to  present  it  to  the  Emperor  in  person.  Certainly 
not  just  now,  for  you  are  under  arrest,  and  can  not  have  con- 
trol of  your  own  movements.  You  will  therefore  have  the 
gratification  of  having  a  guard  at  your  door,  although  you  are 
not  the  Stadtholder.    Farewell,  Count  John  Adolphus!  " 

Bowing  to  the  young  count,  who  with  a  scornful  laugh 
turned  his  back  upon  him,  he  left  the  apartment,  followed 
by  his  officers. 

"  Metzdorf ,"  he  said  outside  to  the  young  officer  in  the 
antechamber,  "  to  you  I  intrust  the  guarding  of  the  palace. 
I  know  you  are  incorruptible,  and  will  not  allow  the  young 


THE  SEALING  OF  THE  DOCUMENTS.  417 

gentleman  to  escape.  Go  round  the  palace  on  the  outside, 
and  before  each  door  station  two  soldiers,  who  are  to  leave 
their  posts  neither  by  day  or  night.  Believe  them  every 
four  hours.  The  Stadtholder,  alas!  did  not  order  us  to 
guard  the  inner  doors  of  the  house,  so  we  must  only  be 
watchful  and  circumspect  outside.  I  commit  the  guarding 
to  you,  and  if  he  escapes,  the  responsibility  rests  upon  your- 
self." 

"  Unless  he  is  a  magician  who  can  vanish  through  the  air, 
he  shall  not  escape  me,  colonel,"  said  the  young  officer,  smil- 
ing. "  I  will  stake  my  head  upon  his  not  going  by  ordinary 
means  through  the  doors." 

"  Very  well,  lieutenant;  but  hark!  Place  two  more  sen- 
tinels at  the  garden  railing  opposite  the  palace.  They  are  to 
watch  the  windows  night  and  day,  sounding  an  alarm  as  soon 
as  they  observe  anything  suspicious.  Come  now.  Reconnoiter 
the  outer  doors  and  post  the  sentinels.  I  am  going  to  report 
to  the  Stadtholder." 

Colonel  Burgsdorf  left  the  count's  palace,  and  repaired  to 
the  Electoral  castle,  where  the  Margrave  Ernest  von  Jagern- 
dorf  had  taken  up  his  residence. 

Count  John  Adolphus  had  stood  listening  at  the  door,  and 
heard  every  word  spokei-  by  Burgsdorf  to  his  lieutenant,  and 
then  listened  to  his  heavy,  retreating  footstep.  Now  he  heard 
the  slamming  of  the  front  door,  and  rushing  to  the  window, 
saw  Burgsdorf  mount  his  horse  and  ride  off,  followed  by  his 
companions  and  a  wagon  loaded  with  the  papers  which  had 
been  seized. 

"  Waldow!  "  cried  the  count,  springing  back  from  the  win- 
dow, "  he  has  gone,  and  we  have,  God  be  thanked!  no  guard 
inside  the  house.    We  are  unobserved." 

"  What  good  will  that  do  us,  Sir  Count,"  sighed  Waldow. 
"We  can  not  leave  the  house,  and  your  papers  have  been 
seized." 

"  Not  my  papers,  Waldow!  No,  God  be  praised!  not  my 
papers!  "  exulted  the  count.  "  Did  you  not  see  that  my  writ- 
ing desk  was  empty?  " 

"  And  what  does  that  signify?  " 

"  It  signifies  that  my  trusty  steward  von  Wallenrodt  under- 


418  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

stood  my  hint,  and,  while  I  detained  Burgsdorf,  abstracted 
and  concealed  my  papers." 

"  Think  you  so  ?  "  asked  Waldow,  shrugging  his  shoulders. 
"  It  seems  to  me  more  likely  that  the  steward  has  imitated  the 
rats,  who  always  forsake  a  sinking  ship,  and  has  gone  off.  The 
palace  has  been  ransacked  and  von  Wallenrodt  was  nowhere 
to  be  found.  He  has  probably  gone  to  the  new  Stadtholder, 
thinking  to  benefit  himself  by  betraying  you." 

"  You  slander  my  faithful  servant,"  said  the  count.  "  I 
know  him  better,  and  am  confident  that  he  will  not  betray  me. 
Come,  Waldow,  accompany  me  to  my  father's  cabinet. 

"  I  will  now  show  you  that  you  have  judged  my  steward 
falsely,"  he  continued,  when  they  had  reached  the  cabinet. 
"  This  apartment  conceals  a  mystery,  known  only  to  my  father, 
myself,  and  Wallenrodt.  Now,  you  shall  become  acquainted 
with  it,  and  learn  at  the  same  time  that  there  is  still  good 
faith  in  the  world." 

He  crossed  the  spacious  apartment  to  the  large  mirror, 
which,  reaching  down  to  the  floor,  filled  up  the  whole  space 
between  the  windows.  He  pressed  an  ornament  of  the  frame, 
and  the  mirror  flew  back,  having  become  a  door,  which  opened 
and  revealed  a  niche  concealed  in  the  wall.  From  this  niche 
stepped  forth  the  steward,  with  a  great  roll  of  papers  in  his 
hand. 

"  Most  gracious  sir,"  he  said  quitely,  handing  the  roll  to 
the  count,  "  here  are  the  papers  of  your  writing  desk." 

"Thank  you,  my  faithful  Wallenrodt!"  cried  Adolphus 
Schwarzenberg,  offering  him  his  hand.  "  I  knew  that  I  could 
count  upon  you,  and,  when  the  writing  desk  was  found  empty, 
knew  that  you  had  understood  my  glance.  But  now,  before 
we  advise  as  to  what  is  further  to  be  done,  let  me  examine 
these  papers,  for  I  do  not  exactly  know  whether  they  contain 
all  that  I  would  wish  to  conceal  from  Burgsdorf  and  my  other 
enemies.  Step  into  that  window  recess,  friends,  and  let  me 
look  over  these  papers." 

The  two  gentlemen  retired  into  the  deep  window  niche, 
and  conversed  together  in  whispers,  while  Count  Adolphus 
rummaged  over  the  papers  with  quick  and  nervous  fingers. 
Ever  quicker,  ever  more  nervous  became  the  movements  of 


THE  SEALING  OF  THE  DOCUMENTS.  419 

his  hand,  ever  darker  grew  his  brow,  ever  more  anxious  his 
countenance.  As  he  laid  aside  the  last  sheet  a  sudden  pallor 
overspread  his  face,  and  for  a  moment  he  leaned  back  in  the 
fauteuil,  quite  faint  and  exhausted. 

"  Dearest  sir!  "  cried  the  steward,  hurrying  toward  him, 
"  are  not  the  papers  all  in  order?  " 

"  It  is  just  as  I  feared,"  said  the  count,  sighing.  "  My 
whole  correspondence  with  my  father,  during  my  last  sojourn 
at  Eegensburg,  besides  copies  of  my  letters  to  the  Emperor 
and  Marwitz,  were  in  the  drawer  of  my  father's  writing  table, 
and  have  been  carried  off  with  the  rest." 

"And  did  these  letters  compromise  you,  count?"  asked 
Herr  von  Waldow,  drawing  nearer  to  Mm. 

"  With  these  letters  in  his  hand.  President  von  Gbtze,  the 
chairman  of  the  committee  of  investigation,  can  arraign  me 
as  guilty  of  high  treason  and  condemn  me  to  death." 

A  long  pause  ensued.  With  gloomy  countenances  all 
three  cast  their  eyes  upon  the  ground.  Then  the  steward 
lifted  up  his  head,  with  an  expression  of  firm  resolve. 

"  You  must  flee,  gracious  sir,"  he  cried  earnestly. 

"Flee?"  repeated  the  count,  shrugging  his  shoulders. 
"  Ah,  you  have  not  heard  of  what  further  happened  after  you 
withdrew  to  your  place  of  concealment!  " 

"  The  whole  palace  is  surrounded  by  soldiers,"  completed 
Herr  von  Waldow.  "  At  each  door  stand  two  sentinels,  and 
even  at  the  park  gate  two  guards  are  stationed." 

"  You  see  plainly,  Wallenrodt,  that  flight  is  impossible," 
said  the  count. 

The  steward  smiled.  "  Through  doors  and  windows  you 
can  not  escape,  in  truth.    There  is  a  third  way,  however." 

"  What  sort  of  way,  Wallenrodt?  " 

"  The  secret  passage,  count." 

"  I  know  of  no  secret  passage." 

"  But  I  do,  count.  Your  late  revered  father  had  this  secret 
passage  built  at  the  time  the  cities  revolted  and  the  Swedes 
were  threatening  Berlin.  He  had  fifty  workmen  brought  from 
Vienna,  who  were  kept  concealed  in  the  palace,  and  worked 
every  night  upon  this  subterranean  passage,  and  as  soon  as 
it  was  completed  he  had  the  men  sent  back  to  Austria.    It  is 


420  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

not  to  be  supposed  tliat  you  should  know  anything  of  this, 
count,  for  it  happened  at  least  fifteen  years  ago,  when  you  were 
but  a  lad.  While  the  work  lasted  the  count  resided  at  Spau- 
dow,  taking  all  his  household  with  him,  that  no  one  might 
know  anything  about  the  secret  passage.  Only  the  old  castel- 
lan and  I  remained  behind,  to  overlook  the  work.  We  were 
the  only  two  besides  the  Stadtholder  who  knew  the  secret. 
You  must  flee  through  the  subterranean  passage,  gracious 
sir." 

"  Whither  does  the  secret  passage  lead?  "  asked  the  count. 

"  Winding  along  underground,  it  has  its  outlet  in  the  little 
pavilion  in  the  center  of  the  park.  The  key  to  the  outer  door 
hangs  within  the  passage,  as  does  also  the  key  to  the  garden 
gate.  All  is  in  good  order,  for,  fearing  that  the  count's  affairs 
might  take  a  bad  turn,  I  examined  the  passage  through  its 
whole  extent  until  I  arrived  at  the  pavilion.  Your  grace  can 
escape  in  that  way  unperceived." 

"  And  you,  my  faithful  friends,  will  accompany  me,"  said 
the  count,  extending  his  hands  to  the  two  gentlemen.  "  You 
were  right  just  now,  Waldow,  when  you  said  we  should  con- 
quer or  die.  It  seems  now  as  if  we  must  be  ruined.  Our  ene- 
mies have  gone  to  work  with  more  zeal  and  determination 
than  ourselves.  While  we  pondered,  they  acted;  while  we 
tarried,  they  strode  energetically  forward.  The  young  Elector 
has  made  good  use  of  his  time,  and  like  a  spider  has  caught 
us  in  the  net  with  which  he  had  lightly  and  secretly  encircled 
us.  All  my  foes,  all  the  sworn  adversaries  of  my  father,  has 
he  called  out  to  battle  against  us.  Envy,  hatred,  malice,  are 
the  regiments  which  the  young  lord  musters  into  the  field, 
and  by  means  of  these  he  has  for  the  moment  conquered  us. 
But  only  for  the  moment.  A  day  of  reckoning  will  come  to 
the  haughty  young  sir.  He  thinks  himself  free  and  inde- 
pendent, but  he  shall  learn  that  there  is  one  higher  than  he 
to  whom  he  must  bow,  to  whom  he  owes  obedience.  Yes,  the 
Emperor  Ferdinand  will  avenge  me  upon  this  arrogant  young 
man.  He  will  cause  his  proud  neck  to  bend,  and  force  his 
vassal  to  give  me  satisfaction,  and  to  reinstate  me  in  all  my 
offices  and  dignities,  which  he  would  unjustly  withhold  from 
me.    I  shall  go  to  the  Emperor  at  Vienna,  and Ha,  what 


THE  SEALING   OP  THE  DOCUMENTS.  421 

a  thought!  "  he  exclaimed,  interrupting  himself.  Eushing 
across  to  his  writing  table,  whose  empty  drawers  were  stretched 
wide  open,  he  tore  one  out  and  thrust  his  arm  into  the  vacant 
space. 

"  The  secret  compartment,"  he  cried  triumphantly.  "  Old 
Burgsdorf s  keen  scent  failed  him  this  time.  Here  it  is,  safe 
and  inviolate.    Here!  " 

When  he  drew  forth  his  hand  it  contained  a  small  box, 
which  he  opened  by  touching  a  spring.  The  lid  flew  open; 
the  box  contained  nothing  but  a  dainty,  perfumed  note.  Still 
the  count  esteemed  it  a  precious  possession.  He  took  the  paper 
and  waved  it  exultingly  above  his  head. 

"This  is  my  salvation!"  he  cried.  "With  this  paper  in 
my  hand  I  am  armed  against  all  the  villainy  and  malice  of  the 
Elector.  Oh,  my  dear,  noble  father,  I  must  thank  you  for 
this  security,  thank  you  that  I  shall  come  forth  victor  from 
this  contest  with  my  enemy.  It  was  you  who  pointed  out  to 
me  the  significance  of  this  paper,  who  gave  me  the  wise  counsel 
to  preserve  it  for  future  use.  Thank  you,  oh,  my  father!  At 
this  hour  tliis  paper  is  the  most  precious  inheritance  which 
you  have  left  me.  I  shall  use  it  in  accordance  with  your  views, 
and  as  actuated  by  your  spirit. 

"  Now,  my  friends,"  he  continued,  "  now  am  I  ready  for 
flight.    Let  us  consider  what  is  to  be  done." 

"  Gracious  sir,  I  have  already  considered,"  replied  Wallen- 
rodt  warmly,  "  and  I  hope  you  will  approve  my  plan.  You 
can  not  make  use  of  the  subterranean  passage  by  day,  for, 
as  I  said  before,  it  has  its  outlet  in  the  center  of  the  park, 
and  if  you  pass  through  the  lower  garden  gate  in  safety, 
you  have  still  to  go  through  the  suburbs  of  Cologne.  Every 
one  would  recognize  you,  and  who  knows  whether  Colonel 
von  Burgsdorf  may  not  have  placed  sentinels  there  too? 
You  must,  therefore,  make  your  escape  by  night.  I,  on 
the  contrary,  dressed  as  a  simple  burgher,  will  take  advan- 
tage of  the  subterranean  passage  now,  and,  watching  my  op- 
portunity, when  the  street  is  quiet  will  leave  the  park  and  go 
away." 

"Where  are  you  going,  Wallenrodt?" 

"  To  Spandow,  gracious  sir,  to  Colonel  von  Eochow.     I 


422  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

want  to  inform  him  of  the  course  events  have  taken — to  tell 
him  that  you  are  forced  to  leave  Berlin.  When  nightfall  comes 
your  grace  will  be  pleased  to  go  through  the  subterranean 
passage  in  company  with  Herr  von  Waldow,  emerge  into  the 
park,  and  then  proceed  up  the  street.  Without  especial  haste, 
for  any  appearance  of  haste  might  excite  remark,  you  will  go 
to  the  Willow-bank  Gate.  Outside  I  will  await  you  with  two 
saddled  horses.  These  you  will  mount,  and  ride  at  full  gallop 
to  Spandow,  where  Herr  von  Eochow  will  be  ready  to  receive 
your  grace.  From  that  place  the  count  can  depart  when  so 
disposed." 

"  Your  plan  is  good  and  feasible,"  said  the  count.  "  I 
accept  it.  Hasten,  therefore,  good  friend,  hasten  to  Colonel 
von  Rochow  with  tidings  of  what  has  befallen  us  here.  Tell 
him  that  the  time  for  hesitancy  and  delay  has  passed,  that 
the  hour  of  action  has  come.  He  has  hitherto  manfully  re- 
fused to  give  in  his  oath  to  the  Elector,  and  therefore  the 
fortress  of  Spandow  belongs  to  the  Emperor,  the  sworn  lord 
of  its  commandant,  rather  than  to  the  Elector  of  Brandenburg. 
The  walls  of  the  Imperial  fort  will  afford  us  protection  and 
security,  and  from  that  point  we  can  begin  our  contest  with 
the  enemy,  who  has  so  treacherously  attacked  us.  Be  off, 
my  Wallenrodt,  be  off,  and  may  we  meet  to-night  in  freedom 
and  joy! " 

"  Only  forget  not  to  arm  yourself,  gracious  sir,  and  take 
care  that  no  one  watches  and  pursues  you." 

"  I  shall  precede  the  count  with  two  loaded  pistols," 
cried  Herr  von  Waldow.  "  I  will  shoot  down  whoever  shall 
dare  to  oppose  him,  and  open  a  free  path  for  him  to  the 
Willow-bank  Gate,  where  you  will  be  waiting  for  us,  Wallen- 
rodt." 

"We  will  both  go  armed  and  defend  ourseWes  bravely," 
said  Count  Adolphus  Schwarzenberg.  "We  would  rather 
die  than  fall  into  the  hands  of  our  enemies.  Go  now,  Wallen- 
rodt, for  you  have  verily  a  long  way  before  you.  The  road  to 
Spandow  is  long." 

"  In  three  hours  I  shall  be  there,  honored  sir.  We  shall 
then  have  ample  time  to  make  our  preparations  for  defense, 
and  meet  you  here  at  twilight  with  horses.    Come  now,  gen- 


THE   FLIGHT.  423 

tlemen,  that  I  may  show  you  the  approach  to  the  subterranean 
passage.  It  is  in  the  little  corridor  next  your  late  father's 
cabinet.'^ 


VIII.— The  Flight. 

How  drear}'  and  desolate  was  the  day  which  Count  Adol- 
phus  now  passed  in  the  palace — how  the  hours  lengthened  into 
days,  and  the  minutes  into  hours!  How  glad  were  they  when 
twiHght  at  last  drew  near,  what  sighs  of  relief  they  breathed 
when  night  at  last  set  in! 

A  dark,  silent  night.  The  sky  was  obscured  by  clouds, 
not  a  star  was  to  be  seen.  A  night  well  fitted  for  enveloping 
fugitives  in  her  friendly  mantle,  and  concealing  them  be- 
neath her  gloomy  shades.  Away  now,  away!  Night  is  here! 
Freedom  beckons!  The  spacious  palace  was  to-day  nothing 
but  a  close,  oppressive  prison.  Nothing  did  Count  Adolphus 
hear  but  the  walking  to  and  fro  of  the  sentinels  and  the  cor- 
poral's call  to  relieve  guard.  Nothing  did  he  see,  when  he 
went  to  the  window,  but  soldiers  slowly  pacing  their  round 
before  the  park  railing. 

Away  from  this  prison,  whose  splendor  and  luxury  seemed 
like  sheer  mockery,  away  from  this  house  teeming  with  bitter 
memories  of  past  grandeur  and  glory! 

Night  was  here,  the  night  of  deliverance.    Away,  away! 

They  wrapped  their  cloaks  about  them,  drew  their  hats 
low  over  their  foreheads,  and  entered  the  subterranean  pas- 
sage. Waldow  lead  the  way,  a  burning  taper  in  one  hand,  a 
pistol  in  the  other.  Count  Adolphus  Schwarzenberg  followed 
him,  a  pistol  in  either  hand,  firmly  determined  to  shoot  down 
whoever  might  dare  to  oppose  his  progress. 

The  passage  was  traversed,  and  safely  the  two  emerged  into 
the  open  air  in  the  park  pavilion.  Now  forward  quickly,  down 
the  dark  alley  to  the  lower  garden  gate.  The  key  was  in  his 
pocket,  there  was  nothing  to  obstruct  their  flight. 

One  moment  they  paused  within  the  half-opened  gate- 
way and  listened.    Nothing  moved  in  the  street  without.    All 


42i  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

life  seemed  already  extinct,  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  wretched 
houses  had  retired  to  rest.  Not  a  light  glimmered  through 
the  windows.  All  was  Imshed  and  still.  They  pushed  open 
the  gate  and  stepped  out  upon  the  street.  They  looked  up  and 
down;  nowhere  did  they  see  a  sign  of  movement,  nowhere 
a  human  form,  nor  anywhere  hear  a  rustling  sound.  Forward 
now,  forward  up  the  street,  around  the  corner  of  the  park, 
across  the  cathedral  square. 

The  night  was  quite  dark,  and  the  two  fugitives  looked 
ever  ahead,  not  once  behind  them.  They  did  not  see  that 
another  shadow  followed  their  black  shadows,  nor  that  a  sec- 
ond shadow  glided  across  the  cathedral  square  to  the  Electoral 
castle. 

To  that  castle,  too,  were  Count  Schwarzenberg's  eyes  di- 
rected. There  it  loomed  up,  veiled  in  mystery  and  gloom, 
its  dim  outlines  barely  distinguishable  from  the  mass  of  over- 
hanging clouds  in  the  background.  In  the  lower  story,  where 
was  situated  the  guardroom,  burned  a  bright  light,  shining 
like  a  clear,  yellow  star,  and  irradiating  the  darkness  of  the 
night. 

Count  Adolphus  saw  it,  and  also  saw  the  light  suddenly 
eclipsed  by  a  shadow;  then  flame  forth  again.  He  saw  the 
shadow,  but  did  not  suspect  that  it  bore  any  relationship  to 
his  person  or  movements.  He  only  continued  to  look  tow^ard 
the  castle,  and  to  think  of  the  past,  taking  farewell  of  his 
memories,  farewell  of  the  dreams  of  his  youth!  He  thought 
of  the  insult  put  upon  him  that  dreadful  night  when  he 
had  been  mocked  and  deceived  by  her  whom  he  loved,  and 
he  vowed  vengeance  for  the  tortures  endured  by  him  that 
night! 

"  Forward,  Waldow,  forward!  "  He  took  his  friend's  arm, 
and  they  pressed  on.  The  shadow  behind  them  advanced 
when  they  advanced  and  stopped  when  they  stood  still. 
Through  the  pleasure  garden  the  pair  proceeded  with  hurried 
steps,  through  the  gate  at  the  castle  moat  they  entered  upon 
the  Willow-bank  suburb,  then  down  the  deserted  little  streets 
of  wretched  huts.  They  reached  the  great  Willow-bank 
meadow  without  the  walls,  passing  through  a  gate  not  far 
from  the  bridge  over  the  Spree. 


THE  PLIGHT.  425 

"  Wallenrodt,  are  you  here?  "  whispered  Schwarzenberg. 

"  Yes,  count,  I  am  here." 

The  tramp  of  horse's  hoofs,  the  voices  of  men  speaking 
in  whispers. 

"  Colonel  von  Eochow  expects  your  grace.  The  whole 
fortress  is  at  your  service.  He  will  defend  you  to  the  last  man, 
and  would  rather  blow  the  whole  fortress  into  the  air  than 
surrender  you  to  the  enemy." 

"  Yes,  better  be  blown  up  by  gunpowder,  than  fall  into 
an  enemy's  hands!  "  cries  the  count,  vaulting  with  glad  heart 
into  the  saddle. 

"  Are  you  ready,  my  friends?  " 

"  Yes,  we  are  ready." 

The  count  gave  the  word  of  command,  "  Forward!  "  and 
grasped  tighter  his  horse's  reins. 

"  Halt!  halt!  "  called  a  loud  voice,  and  the  shadow  which 
had  crept  behind  them  now  changed  into  the  form  of  a  tall 
and  powerful  man,  who  sprang  through  the  gate  and  seized 
the  count's  horse  by  the  bridle. 

"  Back!  "  shouted  Adolphus  Schwarzenberg  furiously. 

"  Halt!  halt!  "  cried  the  other.  "  You  shall  not  escape. 
In  the  name  of  Colonel  von  Burgsdorf  I  arrest  you,  Count 
John  Adolphus  von  Schwarzenberg." 

"  Who  are  you,  poor  man,  who  are  you  who  dares  to  oppose 
me?  " 

"  I  am  the  police  master  Brandt.  I  arrest  you  in  the  name 
of  the  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark! " 

"  Wretched  traitor!  You  swore  fidelity  to  my  father,  and 
have  now  become  the  tool  of  his  enemies.  Hands  off!  It  will 
cost  you  your  life!    Back!  " 

"  No,  I  will  not  leave  you,  I  arrest  you.  You  must  stay 
here! " 

"  Let  us  make  an  end  of  this,  count,"  shouted  von  Wal- 
dow.  "  The  night  is  so  pitch-dark  that  we  can  not  distinguish 
friend  from  foe,  else  I  would  have  shot  him  long  ago." 

"  For  the  last  time,  hands  off  my  horse,  or  I  shall  shoot 
you." 

"  For  the  last  time.  Yield  peaceably,  or  I  shall  shoot  you. 
Living  or  dead  I  must  keep  you,  I  have " 


426  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

A  flash,  the  report  of  a  pistol,  a  death  groan  interrupted 
the  police  master's  words.  The  three  horsemen  bounded 
forward  into  the  night.  Forward  at  breakneck  speed,  but  for 
the  sand,  that  dreadful  sand.  This  is  the  Rehberg,  they  know 
it  by  the  sand  in  which  the  horses  sink,  from  which  they  ex- 
tricate themselves  only  to  sink  again.  Yet  what  matters  it 
if  they  do  make  rather  slow  progress?  They  will  surely  reach 
Spandow  before  daybreak,  and  Colonel  von  Burgsdorf  will  be 
cheated  out  of  his  precious  prisoners. 

What  is  that?  What  strange  sound  does  the  night  wind 
bear  to  the  three  riders?  Simultaneously  all  three  turn  in  their 
saddles  and  listen. 

They  hear  it  quite  plainly.  It  is  the  noise  made  by  trotting 
horses.    It  comes  on — it  comes  nearer. 

"  Wallenrodt,  Waldow!    We  are  pursued!  " 

"  Yes,  count,  but  we  have  the  Rehberg  almost  behind  us, 
and  they  must  go  through  it.  We  have  a  good  start.  They 
will  not  overtake  us." 

"  Forward,  my  friends,  forward!  " 

They  put  spurs  to  their  horses,  they  press  their  knees  into 
their  flanks,  and  the  animals  struggle  faster  through  the  sand. 
In  spite  of  every  hindrance  they  have  now  reached  firmer 
ground  and  bound  bravely  forward.  But  the  noise  behind 
them  has  not  ceased,  not  even  become  more  remote.  They 
must  have  good  steeds,  those  pursuers,  for  they  seem  to  come 
nearer  and  nearer. 

"  Friends,  better  die  than  fall  into  the  hands  of  the 
enemy!  "  shouts  the  count.  "  I  tell  you  the  very  moment 
Burgsdorf  touches  me  I  shall  shoot  myself.  Greet  my  friends 
for  me.    Bid  them  farewell  forever!  " 

"  You  will  not  shoot  yourself,  count,  for  the  enemy  will 
not  overtake  us.  Forward!  Put  spur  to  your  horses.  Heigh! 
Huzza!    Forward! " 

They  rush  through  the  darkness! 

Clouds  dark  and  threatening  course  swiftly  through  the 
sky,  horsemen  dark  and  threatening  course  swiftly  over  the 
earth. 

"  Waldow!  they  come  nearer!  But  we  hare  still  the  start 
of  them! " 


THE  FLIGHT.  427 

"  Only  see,  count!  That  dark  mass  there  against  the  sky. 
That  is  our  goal.  Just  one  quarter  of  an  hour  and  we  shall 
be  safe  in  Spandow." 

"  One  quarter  of  an  hour!  An  eternity!  Heigh!  Huzza! 
On!  on!" 

"  Halt !  "  is  heard  beliind  them.  "  Halt !  in  the  name  of 
the  Elector,  in  the  name  of  the  law!    Halt!  halt!  " 

"  That  is  Burgsdorf's  voice!  "  cries  Count  Schwarzenberg, 
and  spurs  his  horse  with  such  violence  that  it  rears  and  then 
shoots  forward,  swift  as  an  arrow  from  a  bow.  But  the  pur- 
suers, too,  dash  forward,  as  if  borne  upon  the  wings  of  the 
wind,  and  the  distance  between  them  constantly  grows  less. 
Already  they  hear  the  horses  pant;  ever  clearer,  ever  more 
distinct  become  the  passionate  outcries  of  Colonel  Burgsdorf. 

He  swears,  he  threatens,  he  rages!  He  orders  the  fugitives 
to  halt,  and  swears  to  shoot  them  if  they  do  not. 

What  care  they  for  threats  or  orders?  Forward!  forward! 
Behind  them  sounds  a  shot — a  second,  then  a  third!  The 
balls  whistle  past  their  ears,  and  they  laugh  aloud,  to  prove  to 
the  enemy  that  they  are  still  alive. 

Before  them  flash  lights,  like  golden  stars,  like  bonfires  of 
rejoicing. 

"  Count,  those  are  the  lights  of  Spandow!  Just  see  those 
torches  there!  The  commandant  is  waiting  for  you  at  the 
entrance  to  the  fort  with  his  torchbearers." 

"  On!  on!  "  shout  the  three,  and  they  race  onward  at  light- 
ning speed.  And  at  lightning  speed  the  pursuers  follow. 
Nearer  they  come,  ever  nearer. 

"  I  have  them!  I  have  caught  them!  "  exults  Burgsdorf, 
springing  forward  and  stretching  out  his  hands  toward  the 
fugitives,  for  it  seems  to  him  as  if  he  can  indeed  lay  his  hand 
upon  them.     "  Halt!   halt!   in  the  name  of  the  Elector!  " 

"Forw^ard!  forward!  What  care  we  for  the  Elector? 
What  care  we  for  Burgsdorf?    Forward!  " 

The  lights  increase  in  size  and  brilliancy.  Now  they  dis- 
tinguish torches  and  the  figures  of  men. 

"  Are  you  there,  count?  "  calls  down  Colonel  von  Eochow 

from  the  wall. 

"It  is  I,  colonel!" 
28 


4:28  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

The  gate  is  open,  they  gallop  in! 

Over  the  wooden  bridge  gallop  the  pursuers  after  them. 
Now  they  are  at  the  gate.  But  the  gate  slams  to  with  thunder- 
ing sound.    The  pursuers  are  left  without. 

"  Undo  the  bolts,  Colonel  von  Eochow!  I  command  you, 
undo  the  bolts! " 

"  Who  is  it  that  dares  to  command  me?  "  calls  down  Colo- 
nel von  Rochow  from  the  fortification  walls. 

"  I  command  you!  I,  the  commandant  in  chief  of  all  the 
fortresses  in  the  Mark!  " 

"  I  know  no  commandant  in  chief,  and  trouble  myself 
about  no  such  person.  I  am  commandant  of  Spandow,  and 
have  sworn  to  serve  the  Emperor,  and  liim  alone." 

"  Colonel  von  Eochow,  in  the  name  of  the  Elector  and  in 
the  name  of  the  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark,  I  command  you 
for  the  last  time  to  open  the  gate!  " 

"  The  Elector  is  not  my  master  to  command  me,  and  as 
to  the  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark,  here  he  is  at  my  side.  Only 
Count  Adolphus  Schwarzenberg  do  I  recognize  as  such,  and 
he  forbids  my  opening  the  gate.  Go  back  quietly  to  Berlin, 
colonel,  for  the  night  is  cold,  and  your  ride  will  warm  you." 

"And  I  must  pocket  this  insult,"  muttered  old  Burgs- 
dorf ,  gnashing  his  teeth.  "  I  can  do  nothing  but  turn  around 
and  go  back  with  shame!  "  Almost  tearfully  he  gave  his  men 
the  order  to  face  about  and  return  to  Berlin. 

In  the  castle  within.  Count  John  Adolphus  cordially  of- 
fered his  hand  to  Commandant  von  Eochow. 

"  Colonel,  you  have  saved  my  life  by  furnishing  me  a 
refuge.  I  would  have  shot  myself  if  Burgsdorf  had  over- 
taken me.  I  shall  commend  you  to  the  Emperor's  Majesty  for 
this  friendly  service." 


THE  LETTER.  429 


IX. — The  Letter. 


"Well,  here  you  are  at  last,"  exclaimed  Elector  Fred- 
erick William,  holding  out  his  hand  to  Baron  Leuchtmar  von 
Kalkhun.  "  You  have  at  last  returned  from  your  difl&cult 
journey." 

"  Yes,  gracious  sir,  you  may  well  call  it  a  difficult  journey. 
Four  long  months  of  endless  debate,  wrangling,  and  dispute 
with  those  arrogant  Swedish  lords,  who  were  ever  ready 
to  take  but  never  to  give.  Such  was  my  experience  day  by  day 
for  four  long  months." 

"  Yes,  you  are  right,"  said  the  Elector  thoughtfully. 
"  Four  months  have  indeed  elapsed  since  you  set  out  upon 
your  journey  and  I  undertook  the  duties  of  ruler.  My  God! 
it  seems  to  me  as  if  many  years  had  rolled  by  since  then,  and 
as  if  I  had  become  an  old,  old  man!  I  do  not  believe  I  have 
laughed  once  during  these  four  months,  or  enjoyed  one 
quarter  of  an  hour  of  pleasure  or  relaxation.  Discord  and 
discussion  everywhere  with  Emperor  and  empire,  with  the 
States,  with  Poland,  Juliers  and  Cleves.  They  are  all  my 
foes,  and  not  one  single  hand  is  held  out  to  me  in  friendship. 
I  have  felt  at  times  right  lonely,  Leuchtmar,  and  sorely  sighed 
for  you.  It  could  not  be,  though,  and  I  have  learned  already 
to  submit  to  necessity.  Necessity  alone  is  the  despotic  mis- 
tress of  all  princes,  and  we  nothing  but  her  humble  vassals. 
It  is  a  humiliating  thought,  but  nevertheless  true.  I  must 
learn  to  endure  mortifications,  and  to  consider  them  but  the 
price  which  I  pay  for  my  future." 

"  It  grieves  me  to  perceive  that  your  highness  is  somewhat 
downcast  and  discouraged,"  sighed  Leuchtmar,  looking  sadly 
at  the  Elector's  pale,  sober  countenance,  upon  which  the  last 
four  months  had  indeed  left  the  imprint  of  years. 

"Downcast?  Yes,"  cried  Frederick  William;  "for  my 
affairs  progress  but  slowly,  and  to  gain  anything  I  am  com- 
pelled on  all  sides  to  make  unpleasant  concessions  and  to  sub- 
mit to  irksome  restraints.  But  discouraged — no,  Leucht- 
mar. I  am  not  discouraged,  and  by  God's  help  never  shall  be! 
I  know  my  purpose,  which  I  shall  pursue  with  immovable 


430  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

t^teadfastness,  and,  although  the  results  of  these  first  foui 
months  of  government  are  barely  discernible,  I  comfort  myself 
that  in  as  many  years  I  shall  have  accomplished  much.  It 
is  strange,  Leuchtmar,  that  you  have  returned  to-day,  the 
very  day  which  brings  home  my  Polish  ambassador  with  the 
tidings  that  the  King  of  Poland  is  ready  solemnly  to  invest 
me  with  the  dukedom  of  Prussia,  thanks  to  our  money  and  our 
fair  speeches.  This  very  day  I  also  expect  decisive  news  from 
Colonel  von  Burgsdorf  at  Berlin.  On  the  self-same  day  I 
sent  you  forth.  You  were  like  doves  sent  from  a  storm-tossed 
ark  to  seek  for  land.  Almost  at  the  same  time  you  return  to 
the  ark,  but  I  fear  that  none  of  you  brings  with  him  an  olive 
branch." 

"  Yet,  most  noble  sir,  I  do  bring  you  a  small  olive  leaf," 
replied  Leuchtmar,  with  a  gentle  smile.  "  I  come  to  an- 
nounce to  your  grace  that  I  have  at  last  succeeded,  after  a 
four  months'  contest,  in  wringing  from  the  Swedish  lords 
a  few  concessions,  and  concluding  an  armistice,  which  is  to 
be  binding  for  two  years." 

"  A  two  years'  cessation  of  hostilities  is  equivalent  to  ten 
years  of  refreshment,  of  reinvigoration ! "  cried  the  Elector 
with  radiant  looks.  "  Tell  me,  Leuchtmar,  what  concessions 
did  these  hard-headed  Swedes  make  at  the  last  moment?  " 

"  Your  highness,  they  have  pledged  themselves  not  to 
allow  their  soldiery  to  enter  the  Mark,  unless  unavoidably 
compelled  to  march  through  on  their  way  elsewhere,  and  that 
then  they  shall  be  quartered  and  fed  only  under  the  direction 
of  an  Electoral  commissary;  and  that,  moreover,  separate 
agreements  shall  be  entered  into  with  regard  to  the  main- 
tenance of  the  Swedish  garrisons  of  forts  in  Pomerania  and 
the  Mark."  * 

"  Yes,"  murmured  the  Elector,  with  dejected  mien,  "  so 
low  are  we  reduced  that  if  they  even  acknowledge  our  natural 
rights,  it  strikes  us  in  the  light  of  a  concession,  a  grant,  and 
we  must  esteem  ourselves  happy  in  having  obtained  it!  Ah! 
Leuchtmar,  when  will  the  time  come  when  I  can  take  my  re- 
venge for  these  humiliations,  the  time  when  they  will  bovr 
to  me,  and  when  it  will  be  for  7ne  to  concede  and  grant  favors? 
*  See  Droysen,  vol.  iii,  p.  239. 


THE  LETTER.  431 

Hush,  ambitious  heart,  be  soft  and  still!  Go  on,  tell  me  what 
further  settlements  you  concluded  with  the  Swedes." 

"  Gracious  sir,  I  have  no  other  concessions  to  mention, 
except  that  something  has  been  done  for  the  protection  of 
our  mutual  traffic  by  sea  and  land.  But  that  is  as  much  to  the 
advantage  of  the  Swedes  as  of  ourselves.  The  demands  of  the 
Swedes  are  truly  far  greater  than  their  concessions!  " 

"  What  do  they  demand?  " 

"  They  demand  in  advance  that  they  be  left  in  undis- 
turbed possession  of  the  fortresses  they  are  now  masters  of." 

"I  have  not  the  j)ower  to  take  them  by  force  of  arms!  " 
cried  the  Elector,  shrugging  his  shoulders.  "  Let  them  keep 
what  I  can  not  force  from  them!    What  else?  " 

"  They  demand,  besides,  that  the  Werben  fortress  be  de- 
livered up  to  them." 

"I  will  not  deliver  it  up  to  them!"  cried  the  Elector; 
"  but  I  will  have  it  destroyed,  that  it  be  not  seized  by  the  Im- 
perialists.   What  else?" 

"  The  Swedes  further  desire  that  the  Kiistrin  Pass  be  closed 
to  imperial  troops." 

"  To  that  I  willingly  consent,  for  it  is  in  accordance  with 
my  own  interests,"  said  Frederick  William,  smiling.  "  By 
Kiistrin  is  the  road  to  Stettin,  and  it  is  important  for  us,  too, 
that  this  way  be  closed  to  the  Imperialists.  Methinks  a  time 
will  come  when  it  shall  be  closed  to  the  Swedes  as  well,  and 
once  closed,  I  shall  not  open  it  again.    What  else?  " 

"  The  Swedes  crave  the  privilege  of  having  a  resident  at 
Kiistrin,  who  shall  attend  to  carrying  out  this  article." 

"  That  I  shall  never  consent  to! "  cried  the  Elector  pas- 
sionately. "  No,  that  can  not  be,  for  such  a  permission  would 
involve  degradation,  and  the  concessions  which  I  am  willing 
to  make  for  the  welfare  of  my  torn  and  bleeding  land  need  not 
go  to  the  extent  of  degradation.  I  must  have  an  armistice, 
that  my  subjects  may  recover  from  the  effects  of  these  bloody, 
trying  times,  and  gather  strength  for  renewed  existence.  I 
must  have  an  armistice,  in  order  to  gain  time  for  the  re-estab- 
lishment of  law  and  order.  But  there  need  be  no  armistice 
tending  to  dishonor  me,  and  place  me  under  Swedish  sur- 
veillance in  the  midst  of  my  own  land.    No,  no  Swedish  spy, 


432  TUE   UElli  TO   TUE  THRONE. 

no  resident  at  Kustrin — that  is  the  condition  of  my  agreeing 
to  the  armistice.    All  else  1  acquiesce  in." 

"  And  I  hope  to  prevail  upon  the  Swedish  lords  to  recede 
from  this  claim  yet/'  said  Leuchtmar,  "  Eest  is  very  essential 
to  them  also  just  at  this  time,  for  they  have  enough  to  do  to 
contend  with  the  Imperialists,  and  the  Danes  are  threaten- 
ing them  with  war.  They  will  not  desire  to  be  embroiled  with 
Brandenburg  at  the  same  time.  I  will  guarantee  the  con- 
clusion of  the  armistice,  and,  if  it  meets  your  highness's  appro- 
bation, will  travel  again  to  Sweden  to  effect  this  alteration 
and  then  bring  the  articles  to  your  highness  for  your  signa- 
ture." 

"  So  be  it,  dear  Leuchtmar.  Eeturn  to  Stockholm.  Strike 
the  iron  while  it  is  hot.  Much  I  hope  from  this  armistice. 
It  will  make  the  lords  of  Warsaw,  Eegensburg,  and  Vienna 
more  pliant  and  yielding,  for  it  will  show  them  that  the  Elector 
of  Brandenburg  is  no  longer  drifting  helplessly  about  in  a 
leaky  boat,  but  that  he  has  succeeded  at  least  in  stopping  one 
hole  and  keeping  himself  above  water!  And  now,  friend 
Leuchtmar,  how  fared  you  in  your  secret  mission?  Did  you 
hand  my  letter  to  the  young  Queen?  " 

"  Yes,  your  highness;  I  even  had  the  opportunity  of  de- 
livering it  to  her  in  a  private  audience  without  witnesses." 

"  And  did  she  accept  it  in  a  kind  and  friendly  manner?  " 

"  Gracious  sir,"  replied  Leuchtmar,  smiling,  "  a  queen  of 
fourteen  years  of  age  is  very  sensitive  with  regard  to  her  dig- 
nity, and  takes  it  very  ill  if  she  is  not  treated  with  due  rever- 
ence and  extreme  devotion." 

"  Was  my  missive  wanting  in  these  respects? "  asked 
Frederick  William. 

"  I  beg  your  highness's  pardon,  but  the  young  Queen 
seemed  to  be  rather  of  this  opinion.  She  was  visibly  de- 
lighted when  I  handed  her  your  letter,  and  especially  de- 
lighted that  she  received  it  secretly,  without  witnesses,  and 
not  in  the  presence  of  Chancellor  Oxenstiem,  whose  guardian- 
ship seems  to  be  very  irksome  and  unpleasant  to  her.  The 
young  Queen  blushed,  sir,  when  she  took  your  letter,  and  I 
must  confess  that  at  this  moment  she  looked  pretty  and  grace- 
ful enough  to  be  the  wife  of  my  gracious  master.     But  her 


THE  LETTER.  4.33 

countenance  soon  became  clouded,  as  she  read  your  communi- 
cation, whose  contents  seemed  to  afford  her  little  satisfac- 
tion." 

"  But  she  answered  my  letter,  did  she  not,  and  you  bring 
me  her  reply  ?  " 

"  Oh,  yes,  most  gracious  sir,  she  answered  it,  and  I  have 
with  me  Queen  Christina's  reply.  But  I  must  beforehand 
make  your  grace  an  apology  for  this  answer." 

"  Well,  let  me  see  it,  Leuchtmar.    Give  me  the  answer." 

Leuchtmar  drew  a  folded  paper  from  his  pocket,  and 
handed  it  to  the  Elector,  who  unfolded  it.  A  number  of  torn 
bits  of  paper  fell  to  the  floor. 

"  What  is  that,  Leuchtmar?  "  asked  the  Elector  in  amaze- 
ment. 

"  Your  highness,"  replied  Leuchtmar,  "  that  is  Queen 
Christina's  answer." 

The  Elector  picked  up  a  few  of  the  larger  scraps  of  paper, 
and  examined  them  attentively.  "  It  seems  to  me,  Leucht- 
mar," he  said,  "  that  I  recognize  specimens  of  my  own  pen- 
manship.   Yes,  yes,  it  is  my  writing!  " 

"  Yes,  indeed,  your  highness,  it  is  your  own  writing.  It 
is  your  letter  to  Queen  Christina  of  Sweden." 

"  She  sends  it  back  to  me  torn?  " 

"  She  tore  it  with  her  own  exalted  hands,  trampled  it 
under  her  royal  feet,  and  literally  wept  for  rage." 

"  My  heavens!  what  have  I  done  to  enrage  her  little  Maj- 
esty so?  " 

"  In  the  first  place,  noble  sir,  you  wrote  to  the  Queen  in 
German  instead  of  Latin,  and  she  found  that  very  wanting 
in  respect,  and  thought  you  might  have  given  yourself  the 
trouble  to  write  to  her  in  the  language  most  agreeable  to  her.* 
In  the  second  place,  you  addressed  the  young  Queen  as  '  Your 
highness,'  when  she  is  entitled  to  be  called  '  Most  serene  high- 
ness.' She  is  certain  of  tliat,  for  Oxenstiern  had  told  her  that 
he  gained  the  title  for  her  as  an  especial  prerogative  for  her 
from  your  father  and  the  house  of  Brandenburg.  And  in  the 
third  place,  the  Queen  was  annoyed  that  your  writing  was 
so  cold  and  serious,  and  contained  so  few  love  words.  '  If  the 
*  Droysen,  vol.  iii,  p.  237. 


434  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

Elector  had  nothing  more  to  say  to  me  than  is  contained  in 
this  letter/  cried  the  Queen,  '  he  need  not  have  troubled  him- 
self to  send  it  privately.  This  is  a  political  document,  which 
might  have  been  handed  by  his  envoy  to  the  assembled  States, 
and  read  aloud  in  public.  But,  if  I  do  run  the  risk  of  receiving 
and  reading  a  letter  secretly,  contrary  to  the  high  chancellor's 
wishes,  let  it  at  least  be  a  love  letter.  I  merely  gave  you  audi- 
ence because  I  was  curious  to  get  a  love  letter  at  last,  and  to 
know  how  such  feelings  are  expressed.  This  is  no  love  letter, 
though,  and  to  such  a  note  I  have  no  other  answer  than  this.' 
And  then  the  Queen  tore  the  letter  into  little  bits  and  scat- 
tered them  on  the  floor.  I  gathered  up  the  pieces,  in  which 
she  aided  me  assiduously,  lest  Chancellor  Oxenstiern,  whom 
she  momentarily  expected,  might  notice  something  peculiar, 
and  suspect  that  she  had  received  a  secret  missive.  I  asked 
her  most  serene  highness  if  I  should  bring  your  grace  these 
torn  bits  of  paper  as  her  answer.  She  replied  with  a  bewitch- 
ing smile  that  I  must  do  so.  Her  cousin  Frederick  William 
might  thereby  learn  to  write  her  a  better  letter,  when  she 
would  give  him  a  better  answer.  This,  gracious  sir,  is  the 
story  of  the  letter  you  intrusted  to  me  for  Queen  Christina  of 
Sweden." 

The  Elector  laughed  aloud.  "A  charming  story!"  he 
cried,  "  for  which  I  must  thank  my  young  relative,  for  she 
has  lighted  my  somber  existence  by  a  ray  of  sunshine.  It 
pleases  me  that  my  cousin  is  so  forward,  and  thereby  candid. 
The  little  maid  of  fourteen  sighs  for  a  love  letter,  and  hopes 
that  her  cousin  Frederick  William,  who  sues  for  her  hand,  will 
write  her  one,  and  is  so  innocent  as  to  suppose  that  he  woos 
her  because  he  loves  her.  Poor  child,  disappointed  in  her 
curiosity  and  her  wish  to  know  herself  beloved!  Yes,  yes, 
it  is  the  perpetual  longing  of  the  young  heart  to  be  loved,  and 
when  the  first  love  letter  is  received,  the  foolish  young  crea- 
ture fancies  itself  the  happiest  being  upon  earth,  and  feels 
itself  transported  into  the  blessedness  of  paradise.  Alas!  they 
know  not  that  all  this  is  only  an  illusion,  a  sweet  morning 
dream  from  which  they  will  speedily  be  roused  by  rude,  un- 
gentle hands.  Leuchtmar,  I  can  not  gratify  the  little  Queen 
of  Sweden  in  her  wish;   I  can  write  her  no  love  letter,  for  I 


A  SECRET  AUDIENCE.  435 

would  be  guilty  of  deceiving  this  young  heart.  No,  I  can 
utter  no  tender  protestations,  while  my  heart  is  still  bleeding 
from  inflicted  wounds.  But  a  cordial,  friendly  letter  I  will 
write  to  my  dear  cousin.  I  will  write  to  her  in  faultless  Latin, 
and  couch  it  in  most  reverential  terms.  Who  knows,  per- 
haps I  may  yet  win  her  heart,  and  she  heal  mine!  I  will 
write  the  letter,  and  you  shall  secretly  transmit  it  to  Queen 
Christina.  I  will  so  express  it  that  it  shall  not  seem  to  her 
fitted  to  be  read  before  the  assembled  States,  even  though 
it  be  no  love  letter.  Go  now,  Leuchtmar,  and  rest  after  the 
fatigues  of  your  journey.  But  to-morrow  evening,  when  busi- 
ness is  ended,  come  to  me  in  my  cabinet,  and  let  us  read  a 
couple  of  Horace's  odes  for  my  strength  and  encouragement, 
as  we  used  to  do  when  I  was  still  a  free  young  man  and  not 
the  Elector,  the  slave  of  position." 

He  offered  the  baron  his  hand,  and  affectionately  con- 
ducted him  to  the  door  himself.  Just  at  this  moment  that 
door  was  quickly  opened,  and  a  page  appeared. 

"  Your  Electoral  Highness,"  was  his  announcement,  "  the 
imperial  envoy.  Count  ]\Iartinitz,  craves  an  audience  for  him- 
self, a  special  messenger  from  the  Emperor,  and  his  attendant." 

"  Admit  his  Majesty's  envoys,"  replied  Frederick  Wil- 
liam, as  he  again  crossed  the  room  and  seated  himself  in  the 
armchair  before  his  writing  table. 


X. — A  Secket  Audience. 

The  three  persons  announced  entered  the  Electoral  cabi- 
net. First  came  Count  Martinitz  with  important  air,  dressed 
in  the  richly  embroidered  costume  of  a  Spanish  courtier,  fol- 
lowed by  an  old  man  of  venerable  aspect  and  the  bearing  of 
a  scholar,  clad  in  a  suit  of  black  velvet,  and  by  a  young  lord 
in  a  magnificent  court  dress.  The  Elector  sprang  up  on  be- 
holding the  latter,  and  a  flush  of  indignation  suffused  his 
countenance. 

"  Count  Martinitz,"  he  asked  hastily,  "  whom  do  you  bring 
to  me?  " 


436  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

"  Your  highness/'  replied  Martinitz,  with  firm,  composed 
voice — "  your  highness,  I  beg  to  be  allowed  to  present  these 
two  lords  to  you.  This  is  Dr.  CJebhard,  a  very  learned  and  wise 
man,  the  Emperor  Ferdinand's  cabinet  and  privy  counseloi-, 
sent  by  his  Majesty  to  your  highness,  charged  with  a  confiden- 
tial and  secret  errand.  Permit  me  now  to  present  to  your 
highness,  this  other  gentleman." 

"I  know  him!  "  cried  the  Elector,  with  flashing  eyes  and 
angry  mien.  "  I  am  only  too  well  acquainted  with  Count 
x\dolphus  Schwarzenberg  and  all  the  plots  and  intrigues  con- 
cocted by  him  in  Berlin,  and  his  efforts  to  lead  my  officers 
into  insubordination  and  revolt.  But  when  I  ordered  investi- 
gations to  be  made  into  these  matters,  and  the  count  should 
have  justified  his  actions,  the  boastful  lord  showed  himself 
to  be  but  a  cowardly  deserter!  " 

"Your  highness!"  exclaimed  the  count  coming  forward 
with  long  strides,  and  touching  the  hilt  of  the  dress-sword 
hanging  at  his  side — "  your  highness,  I  have  come  to  justify 
myself  against  the  calumnies  of  my  enemies.  Will  you  be 
pleased  to  hear  me  patiently,  and  not  impugn  my  honor  as 
a  gentleman  and  a  count  of  the  empire  before  you  have  listened 
to  my  justification  ?  " 

"  You  would  justify  yourself!  Do  you  dare  to  attempt 
this?"  asked  the  Elector  indignantly.  "Look,  here  on  my 
table  lies  the  paper  which  the  States  of  the  Mark  have  ad- 
dressed to  me,  and  in  which  they  accuse  you.  The  Emperor's 
Majesty  has  sent  me  a  scholar,  who  can  certainly  read  it  aright, 
if  I  perchance  have  made  some  mistake.  Read,  if  you  please. 
Dr.  Gebhard,  read  these  lines,  and  hear  what  the  States  write 
to  me! " 

He  handed  the  imperial  legate  the  document  and  pointed 
out  with  his  finger  the  passage  in  point. 

Dr.  Gebhard  read:  "  Count  John  Adolphus  Schwarzen- 
berg, however,  eluded  the  investigation  by  flight  in  the  night- 
time, and  despite  a  guard  set.  In  an  unusual  way  and  in  utter 
contempt  of  your  highness's  received  orders,  he  secretly  es- 
caped." * 

"  Now,"  cried  the  Elector  passionately,  "  would  you  main- 

♦  See  Droysen,  History  of  Prussian  Politics,  vol.  iii,  p.  236. 


A  SECRET  AUDIENCE.  437 

tain,  that  my  States  have  reported  to  me  what  is  not 
true?" 

'•'  It  is  true/'  said  Count  Schwarzenberg.  "  I  saw  myself 
forced  to  escape  unjust  pursuit,  and " 

"  Forced  by  your  bad  conscience,  sir,"  interrupted  the 
Elector  impatiently.  "  You  left  it  for  others  to  draw  out  of 
the  fire  the  chestnuts  which  you  had  thrown  in,  and  when  you 
found  out  that  I  was  not  the  timid,  powerless  Prince  you  sup- 
posed me  to  be,  who  could  be  frightened  at  a  contest  with 
you  and  your  faction  and  awed  by  your  glory  and  dignity; 
when  you  saw  that  I  would  bring  you  to  justice,  you  evaded 
the  course  of  law  and  fled  precipitately  from  the  judges." 

"  Because  I  knew  that  these  judges  were  my  enemies,  and 
that  he  who  was  at  their  head.  President  von  Gotze,  had  been 
my  father's  implacable  foe  of  old." 

"  That  is  to  say,  he  had  been  of  old  an  honest,  true  Bran- 
denburgher,  not  merely  having  proved  himself  an  incorrupti- 
ble man,  but  never  having  condescended  to  bribe  others  for 
the  sake  of  obtaining  honor,  position,  or  wealth  for  himself." 

"  Your  highness,"  called  out  the  count  hastily,  "  would 
you  defame  my  father  even  in  his  grave?  " 

"Have  I  pronounced  your  father's  name?"  asked  the 
Elector,  with  dignity.  "  Is  it  not  rather  you  who  asperse  your 
late  father's  fame  by  referring  to  him  what  I  said  with  regard 
to  bribery?  " 

The  count  cast  down  his  eyes  and  was  silent.  Frederick 
"William  now  turned  by  a  slow  movement  of  the  head  to  Count 
Martinitz. 

"  Sir  Count,"  he  said  gravely  and  ceremoniously,  "  I  in- 
terrupted you  in  your  presentation.  Continue  it,  and  intro- 
duce this  gentleman  to  me.  I  must  know  in  what  capacity 
he  dares  return  to  my  dominions  and  intrude  upon  my  pres- 
ence." 

"  Your  Electoral  Highness,  I  have  the  honor  of  presenting 
to  you  the  count  of  the  empire,  Adolphus  John  von  Schwarz- 
enberg, imperial  privy  counselor  and  chamberlain,  also  attaclie 
and  associate  of  the  Emperor's  ambassador  extraordinary,  fur- 
nished with  a  safe  conduct  signed  by  the  Emperor  himself." 

"  I  well  knew,"  cried  the  Elector,  "  that  this  gentleman 


438  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

had  made  sure  of  his  own  safety  before  venturing  near  me. 
That  was  the  reason  of  my  question.  As  imperial  officer  and 
chamberlain  he  is  secure  against  my  just  wrath,  and  his 
Majesty's  safe  conduct  a  glorious  wall  behind  which  to  hide 
himself.  Let  him  profit  by  it;  I  shall  not  see  him  behind  the 
wall,  but  instead  only  a  piece  of  wliite  paper,  on  which  hw 
Imperial  Majesty  has  inscribed  his  name,  and  accordingly  I 
shall  respect  this  piece  of  paper,  which  otherwise  I  would  tear 
in  twain." 

"Your  highness!"  cried  Count  Schwarzenberg — "your 
highness,  I " 

"  Count  von  Martinitz,"  interposed  the  Elector  haughtily, 
"  I  empower  you  to  say  to  the  ambassador  extraordinary  of 
his  Imperial  Majesty,  that  I  give  him  leave  to  deliver  the  Em- 
peror's message  to  me  and  to  impart  to  me  his  Majesty's  de- 
sires." 

"  Most  respected  lord  and  Elector,"  said  Dr.  Gebhard  with 
solemnity,  "  his  Majesty  the  Emperor  Ferdinand  sends  me 
to  your  highness  in  the  assured  hope  that  in  your  justice  and 
exalted  wisdom  your  grace  will  be  superior  to  all  personal 
enmities,  and  not  visit  upon  the  son  faults,  perhaps  uninten- 
tional, committed  against  you  by  the  father." 

"  Of  what  father  and  son  do  you  speak,  sir?  "  asked  the 
Elector. 

"  Of  the  father  who  for  twenty  years  was  the  honored 
counselor  and  friend  of  Elector  George  William,  who,  faith- 
ful even  beyond  the  tomb,  forsook  the  earth  no  longer  tenanted 
by  his  lord  and  Elector.  Of  the  son  who  has  committed  no 
crime  except  that  of  being  his  father's  heir,  and  not  allowing 
his  patrimony  to  be  diminished  and  torn  from  him.  For  this 
son,  in  the  Emperor's  name,  I  would  plead  with  your  Electoral 
Highness  for  grace  and  favor,  beseeching  you  not  to  deprive 
him  of  his  rights,  but  to  restore  to  him  what  belongs  to  him." 

"  Tell  me,  Dr.  Gebhard,"  asked  the  Elector,  "  what  those 
rights  are  of  which  I  have  deprived  him,  according  to  his 
Majesty's  opinion,  and  what  things  I  have  taken  from  him 
which  belong  to  him?  " 

"Already  in  his  father's  lifetime  Count  John  Adolphus 
Schwarzenberg  was  elected  his  coadjutor  in  the  Order  of  St. 


A   SECRET  AUDIENCE.  439 

John,  therefore  on  his  father's  demise  he  had  a  right  to  the 
vacant  dignity  of  grand  master,  and  yet  this  has  not  been 
accorded  him  by  your  highness.  As  his  father's  heir.  Count 
John  Adolphus  received  all  his  father's  property,  and  entered 
into  possession  of  it.  Yet  this  your  higlmess  did  not  allow 
him  uncontested,  and  withheld  what  was  his.  Nay,  your  high- 
ness even  instituted  a  criminal  process  against  the  young 
count,  his  father's  heir.  This  last  proceeding  is  especially 
distasteful  and  annoying  to  his  Majesty;  the  Emperor  wishes 
above  all  things  that  your  highness  withdraw  this  criminal 
suit,  referring  it  to  the  imperial  court  at  Vienna,  and  that 
you  again  receive  Count  John  into  favor."  * 

"  Truly  his  Imperial  Majesty  asks  and  requires  a  great 
deal  of  me,"  cried  Frederick  William,  with  flashing  eyes  and 
cheeks  flushed  with  anger.  "  More  than  a  prince  dare  give, 
who  has  to  act  not  merely  in  subjection  and  dependence,  but 
as  Sovereign  of  his  people.  It  seems  to  me  as  if  no  one  had 
cause  to  interfere  in  this  affair  of  Count  Adolphus  Schwarz- 
enberg,  for  it  concerns  the  interior  interests  of  m.y  realm. 
Within  the  limits  of  my  own  country  I  alone  am  lord  and 
ruler,  and  only  one  lord  there  is,  before  whom  I  bow,  and 
whom  I  recognize  as  my  superior — the  law!  Law  is  prop- 
erly supreme  within  the  Brandenburg  provinces,  and  shall 
and  must  reign  over  high  and  low!  But  my  favor,  sir,  my 
favor,  can  only  flow  spontaneously  from  within,  and  can  not 
be  arbitrarily  bestowed  even  at  an  Emperor's  behest.  I  have 
not  withdrawn  my  favor  from  Count  Adolphus  Schwarzen- 
berg,  for  he  never  possessed  it.  Law  and  right  alone  must 
decide  for  or  against  him.  Many  of  my  subjects  have  brought 
accusations  against  him,  and  for  these  I  am  pledged  to  pro- 
cure justice  at  the  hands  of  the  courts  of  justice.  What  was 
done  in  my  lands  must  be  also  judged  in  my  lands,  else  my 
subjects  might  be  wounded  in  their  sense  of  right;  and  to 
assign  this  suit  to  the  imperial  court  at  Vienna  would  be  in 
the  highest  degree  derogatory  to  the  Electoral  power  and  juris- 
diction. I  can  not  therefore  gratify  his  Imperial  Majesty  in 
this  wish.f    As  concerns  his  right  to  the  place  of  grand  master, 

*  See  von  Orlich,  History  of  Prussia,  vol.  i,  p.  61. 
t  The  Elector's  own  words. 


440  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

that  appointment  belongs  not  to  me,  but  to  the  members  of 
the  order.  They,  however,  will  not  elect  the  young  count, 
and  I  can  not  compel  them  to  do  so.  Lastly,  as  regards  the 
estates  claimed  by  the  heir  of  the  Stadtholder  in  the  Mark, 
his  title  to  them  is  M^anting,  and,  moreover,  there  are  no 
accounts  to  prove  that  the  money  for  which  the  estates  were 
mortgaged  was  ever  used  by  the  Stadtholder  for  my  father's 
benefit.  Besides,  even  if  such  contracts  existed,  they  were 
entered  into  without  the  consent  of  the  States,  and  conse- 
quently by  the  laws  of  the  land  were  null  and  void.  This  is 
the  reply  I  have  to  make  to  the  imperial  envoy,  of  which  I 
can  alter  and  abate  nothing,  however  I  may  deplore  any  ap- 
parent disrespect  to  his  Imperial  Majesty's  wishes.  Eeturn 
to  Vienna,  Dr.  Gebhard,  return  with  your  associate  and 
attache,  and  repeat  to  the  Emperor  what  I  have  said  to  you. 
You  are  dismissed,  gentlemen." 

''Your  Electoral  Highness  will  pardon  me  for  venturing 
to  add  one  more  word,"  said  Count  Martinitz,  "  but  I  am  em- 
powered to  do  so  by  the  imperial  order.  The  Emperor  Ferdi- 
nand commisioned  me  in  his  own  handwriting,  in  case  that 
your  highness  refused  to  accede  to  the  demands  made  by  Dr. 
Gebhard " 

"  Demands?  "  broke  in  the  Elector.  "  I  did  not  hear  Dr. 
Gebhard  make  use  of  any  such  term.  Mention  was  made  only 
of  imperial  wishes  and  requests.     You  mean  that  in  case  I 

do  not  grant  Dr.  Gebhard's  requests Proceed,  Count 

Martinitz." 

"  I  am  in  that  case  commissioned  to  desire  your  highness 
in  the  Emperor's  name  to  grant  a  private  audience  to  the 
attache  of  the  imperial  embassy,  the  Emperor's  privy  coun- 
selor and  chamberlain,  Count  Adolphus  von  Schwarzenberg, 
as  he  wishes  to  make  an  important  and  confidential  communi- 
cation to  your  highness." 

Frederick  William's  piercing  eyes  were  fixed  with  a  ques- 
tioning expression  upon  the  count's  face,  whose  eyes  returned 
the  look  with  a  bold  and  steady  gaze. 

"  You  presume  greatly  upon  the  respect  I  owe  the  Em- 
l»eror,"  said  the  Elector  after  a  pause.  "  I  have  wished  to  re- 
gard you  hitherto  merely  as  a  piece  of  paper  hallowed  by  the 


A  SECRET  AUDIENCE.  441 

Emperor's  superscription.  But  now  you  voluntarily  step 
forth  from  behind  the  protecting  paper,  and  present  yourself 
to  me  as  a  man,  a  self-dependent  individual,  who  is  responsible 
for  his  words  and  actions.  Consider  well  what  you  risk,  sir, 
and  take  my  advice:  retreat,  while  yet  there  is  time!  x\sk  me 
not  to  look  upon  you  as  you  actually  are,  but  be  content,  inas- 
much as  in  you  I  respect  the  Emperors  safe  conduct.  Re- 
flect once  again,  and  then  speak!  " 

"  Your  Electoral  Highness,"  said  the  count  after  a  pause, 
"  the  Emperor  has  condescended  to  request  a  secret  audience 
for  me  of  your  grace.  I  entreat  your  highness  to  grant  it 
to  me." 

"You  desire  it?  Be  it  so,  then!"  cried  the  Elector. 
"  You,  gentlemen,  Count  von  Martinitz  and  Dr.  Gebhard, 
are  dismissed.  Count  Schwarzenberg  may  remain.  For  the 
Emperor's  sake  I  am  ready  to  grant  him  the  secret  audience. 
Take  your  leave,  gentlemen!    Your  audience  is  at  an  end!  " 

The  two  gentlemen  bowed  low  and  ^\ithdrew.  The  Elector 
followed  them  with  his  eyes  until  the  door  closed  behind  them. 
Then  he  slowly  turned  his  head  toward  Count  Schwarzen- 
berg. 

"  Speak  now,"  he  ordered  coldly  and  severely.  "  Say 
what  you  have  to  say,  but  weigh  well  each  word,  and  take 
heed  of  rousing  my  wrath,  for  I  tell  you  the  measure  of  my 
patience  and  forbearance  is  well-nigh  exhausted!  What 
would  you  have  of  me?    What  do  you  want?  " 

"Justice,  your  highness.  Justice!  Enter  into  no  contest 
with  me!  Take  not  away  from  me  the  estates  given  in  pledge 
by  the  Elector  George  William  to  my  father,  w-hich  have  not 
yet  been  redeemed.  Acknowledge  me  as  the  Grand  Master 
of  the  Knights  of  St.  John,  graciously  nominate  me  Stadt- 
holder  in  the  Mark,  and  I  swear  to  you  that  I  shall  be  your 
faithful  and  devoted  servant,  your  mediator  with  Emperor 
and  empire!  You  see,  your  highness,  I  ask  for  nothing  but 
justice! " 

"Justice!"  repeated  Frederick  William,  while  with  flash- 
ing eyes  he  approached  one  step  nearer  the  count.  "  Beware 
of  reminding  me  that  I  have  not  exercised  justice  toward  you! 
Ask  it  not,  for  then  I  must  needs  summon  a  guard  and  have 


442  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

you  arrested!  Then  must  I  call  a  court-martial,  have  you 
tried,  and  see  you  mount  the  scaffold !  " 

"  The  scaffold!  "  exclaimed  the  count,  turning  pale.  "  But 
then  the  Emperor  would  call  you  to  account  for  this  deed  of 
violence,  and " 

"  Deed  of  violence,  you  call  it?  "  interposed  the  Elector. 
"  You  are  mistaken,  sir;  it  would  only  be  a  merited  punish- 
ment! You  deserve  this  punishment,  not  on  account  of  any- 
thing done  by  your  father,  although  in  sooth  you  bore  a  full 
share  in  his  deeds,  but  on  account  of  your  own  crime." 

"  Crime,  your  highness?  " 

"  Yes,  count,  crime!  You  are  a  conspirator,  a  rebel!  You 
incited  my  officers  to  revolt,  entangled  them  in  a  conspiracy, 
and  when  I  would  have  brought  you  to  judgment  you  fled 
like  a  cowardly  woman." 

'•  Your  highness! "  screamed  the  count,  "  I  beseech  you, 
weigh  your  words,  provoke  me  not  too  much!  Otherwise  I 
might  forget  the  respect  due  you." 

"  And  if  you  should  venture,  I  have  ample  means  of  lead- 
ing you  back  to  the  proper  bounds,  of  forcing  you  to  respect 
me,  to  fall  down  in  the  dust,  and  plead  for  pardon!  Do  you 
know  what  you  are?    Do  you  know  what  you  were?  " 

"What  I  was  I  know,"  cried  the  count.  "I  was  the 
favored  lover  of  your  sister,  Princess  Charlotte  Louise!  " 

"  Ah !  Now  at  last  you  drop  your  mask,  now  you  show 
your  real  face.  The  face  of  a  slanderer,  a  liar!  For  you  utter 
a  falsehood.  You  calumniate  the  virtue  of  a  noble  lady,  and 
boast  of  a  favor  you  never  received." 

"  I  speak  the  truth,  your  highness,  and  am  in  a  condition 
to  prove  it.  Princess  Charlotte  Louise  gave  me  her  favor, 
and  went  further  than  was  seemly  for  a  modest  maiden.  She 
volunteered  to  grant  me  a  rendezvous  impelled  by  ardent 
love." 

"  That  is  not  true." 

"  It  is  true,  sir,  and  I  can  prove  it!  I  have  the  writing 
with  me,  in  which  your  sister  invites  me  to  a  rendezvous 
in  the  castle  at  Berlin.  She  wrote  it  with  her  own  hand, 
and  signed  it  with  her  name.  Until  now,  no  one  has  known 
the  secret,  and  no  one  shall  know  it  if  we  can  agree." 


A  SECRET  AUDIENCE.  443 

"We  agree?" 

"Yes,  your  highness,  we!  Your  sister's  letter  is  well 
worth  what  I  ask.  I  demand  nothing  hut  my  rights.  Leave 
me  my  estates,  acknowledge  me  as  grand  master,  appoint  me 
my  father's  successor,  give  me  the  hand  of  Princess  Char- 
lotte Louise.'"' 

"  My  sister's  hand  to  you  f  " 

"  To  me,  for  I  have  a  right  to  that  hand.  The  Princess 
engaged  herself  to  me,  and  granted  me  favors." 

"  Wretched  man,  to  boast  of  them! "  interrupted  the 
Elector. 

"  She  appointed  a  meeting  with  me  to  take  place  by  night," 
continued  the  count  quietly.  "  Your  honor  would  be  de- 
stroyed if  any  one  knew  of  this.  Let  me  keep  it  intact!  Give 
me  your  sister's  hand!  For  I  tell  you  if  you  do  not  the  world 
shall  hear  of  this  faux  pas  on  the  part  of  the  Princess.  I  shall 
publicly  expose  the  letter  she  wrote  to  me,  and  a  laugh  of  scorn 
will  pursue  both  you  and  her  through  the  whole  of  Germany! 
Give  me  your  sister's  hand!  " 

"  Were  you  the  Emperor  himself  I  would  not  give  her 
to  you.  And  if  you  were  in  a  position  to  defame  my  whole 
house,  I  would  not  give  her  to  you!  And  were  my  sister  to 
fall  at  my  feet  weeping  at  my  refusal,  I  would  not  give  her 
to  you!  Yes,  and  if  I  knew  that  my  lands  and  wealth  would 
be  doubled  by  this  marriage,  I  would  never  give  my  sister  to 
you!  I  asked  you  just  now  if  you  knew  what  you  were  and 
what  you  are.  To  the  first  question  you  replied  that  you  were 
my  sister's  lover.  Now  I  will  tell  you  what  you  are:  you  are 
the  son  of  a  poisoner  and  a  murderer!  " 

"  Sir!  "  screamed  the  count,  bounding  forw^ard  in  fury  and 
with  a  sudden  movement  drawing  his  dagger  from  its  sheath 
— "  sir,  you  assail  my  father  in  his  grave,  I  will  defend  him! 
You  owe  me  satisfaction  for  this  insult!  It  is  not  the  Elector 
who  stands  before  me,  but  a  man  who  has  wounded  my  honor, 
and  I  demand  satisfaction.    You  dare  not  refuse  it,  or " 

"  Or  you  will  complete  your  father's  work,  will  you?    Will 

hire  murderers  to  do  what  you  dare  not  attempt  yourself? 

Oh,  you  may  very  probably  find  a  second  Gabriel  Nietzel, 

whom  you  may  goad  on  to  crime,  profiting  by  his  agonyand  dis- 

99" 


444  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

tress  of  mind  to  change  a  thoughtless  deceiver  into  a  poisoner! 
Do  not  stare  at  me  in  such  amazement,  as  if  you  understood 
not  my  words!  You  know  Gabriel  Nietzel  well,  and  your 
dagger  would  not  have  fallen  from  your  hand  if  your  con- 
science had  not  struck  it  down!  " 

"  I  know  nothing  of  Gabriel  Nietzel!  "  cried  the  count, 
"  I  onlv  know  that  you  have  called  my  father  a  murderer 
and ^" 

"  And,  I  did  wrong  in  this,  for  certainly  the  murderous 
deed  miscarried!  I  live!  And  lu  was  forced  to  die.  Do 
you  know  of  what  your  father  died  ?  " 

"  Of  grief,  and  the  humiliations  which  you  prepared  for 
him!  " 

"  No,  he  died  of  remorse.  A  stroke,  they  say,  put  an  end 
to  his  life.  Yes,  it  was  conscience  that  smote  him  to  the 
earth.  Gabriel  Nietzel  stood  before  him  and  reminded  him  of 
his  deeds,  demanding  of  him  his  wife,  whom  your  father  mur- 
dered because  she  saved  my  life!  " 

"  Horrible! "  muttered  the  count,  with  sunken  head  and 
downcast  eyes. 

"  Yes,  horrible!  "  repeated  the  Elector.  "  Gabriel  Niet- 
zel was  the  avenging  sword  sent  from  on  high  for  your  father's 
punishment.  He,  the  unhappy  one,  himself  confessed  his 
crime  to  me,  and  I  have  forgiven  him.  I  will  forgive  your 
father  also,  for  he  stands  before  a  higher  tribunal,  and  He 
who  tries  the  heart,  will  reward  him  according  to  his  deeds. 
But  I  am  your  judge,  and  your  deeds  accuse  you  before  me! 
I  could  have  you  arrested  and  tried,  and,  believe  me,  I  would 
do  so,  despite  the  imperial  safe  conduct,  behind  which  you 
have  ensconced  yourself,  but  I  honor  in  you  the  memory  of 
my  father,  who  loved  yours,  and  would  not  have  the  world 
discover  how  shamefully  the  magnanimous  heart  of  George 
William  was  deceived.  Eegarding  the  property  you  claim 
from  me,  let  the  law  decide;  regarding  the  military  title  you 
aspire  to,  let  the  knights  of  the  order  decide;  but  regarding 
the  accusation  which  you  bring  against  my  sister,  and  the 
offer  you  make  me  on  her  account,  the  Princess  alone  is  the 
proper  person  to  consult.  You  shall  speak  with  her  this  very 
hour,  for  I  would  not  have  your  vain  heart  puffed  up  with  the 


A  SECRET  AUDIENCE.  445 

idea  that  the  Princess  loves  you,  and  that  it  is  only  my  tyranny 
which  separates  you  from  her.  No,  you  shall  speak  with  the 
Princess  herself,  and  she  shall  decide  the  question  between 
you.  And  that  you  may  not  suppose  that  I  have  influenced 
my  sister,  you  shall  speak  to  her  before  I  communicate  with 
her  myself." 

He  took  the  handbell  and  rang;  a  page  appeared.  "■  Re- 
quest her  Electoral  Grace  the  Princess  Charlotte  Louise  to 
have  the  kindness  to  come  to  me." 

"  Your  Electoral  Grace,"  said  the  page,  "  Colonel  von 
Burgsdorf  has  just  come  into  the  antechamber,  and  urgently 
insists  upon  my  announcing  him  to  your  grace." 

"Admit  him  and  call  the  Princess.  When  the  gracious 
young  lady  has  entered  the  antechamber,  let  me  know.  Ad- 
mit the  colonel." 

"  Here  I  am,  your  highness,  here  I  am!  "  cried  Conrad 
von  Burgsdorf,  coming  in  with  hasty  steps.    "  I  am  Just  from 

Berlin,  and  bring  my  dearest  lord  good  news,  and But 

what  is  that?  "  interrupted  he,  fixing  his  lively  gray  eyes  upon 
Count  Schwarzenberg,  who,  pale  and  visibly  disconcerted, 
had  withdrawn  into  one  of  the  window  niches. 

For  one  moment  Burgsdorf  stood  still,  as  if  bewildered  by 
the  unexpected  sight,  then  he  sprang  forward  like  a  tiger, 
and  laid  his  hands  like  iron  claws  upon  the  count's  shoulders. 

"  In  the  name  of  the  Elector  and  the  law,  I  arrest  you 
Count  Schwarzenberg!  "  he  shrieked. 

"  Let  him  go,  Burgsdorf,"  commanded  Frederick  William. 

"  No,  gracious  sir,"  cried  Burgsdorf,  "  I  can  not,  must  not 
let  him  go.  I  must  hold  fast  to  my  prisoner  until  I  have  put 
him  in  a  safe  prison.  If  I  take  my  hands  off  him,  he  will  surely 
find  some  mousehole  to  creep  through.  I  know  the  fine  gen- 
tleman, and  have  had  experience  of  his  mouselike  nature.  I 
thought  I  had  him  safe  at  Berlin,  imprisoned  in  his  own  palace, 
and  sentinels  stationed  everywhere.  A  man  could  not  have 
escaped,  but  a  mouse  can  find  a  hole  to  retire  to  almost  any- 
where. Master  Mousy  here  slipped  off  through  an  under- 
ground passage.  Fortimately  I  had  stationed  a  couple  of 
spies  in  front  of  the  park,  and  one  of  them  came  to  inform 
me  that  they  had  seen  two  suspicious  personages  issue  from 


446  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

the  park,  while  the  other  dogged  their  footsteps.  I  flew  to 
horse,  and,  thinking  that  the  young  count  would  make  for 
Spandow,  raced  with  my  men  to  the  Spandow  Gate.  Exactly, 
they  had  just  fled  on  before.  We  gave  them  chase.  Huzza! 
that  was  a  hunt!  Already  I  thought  I  had  the  fugitives  within 
my  reach,  and  stretched  out  my  hand  to  grasp  them,  when 
they  galloped  into  the  fortress,  the  gate  was  shut,  and  I  stood 
baffled  on  the  outside,  and  had  my  mortification  increased 
by  hearing  Colonel  Eochow's  mocks  and  jeers  from  the  wall 
above.  And  now  when  I  can  take  my  revenge,  when  I  at  last 
have  my  prisoner  trapped  and  caught,  now,  your  highness 
commands  me  to  let  him  go.  No,  your  highness,  it  is  impos- 
sible; for  trust  me,  as  soon  as  I  let  him  go  he  will  find  his 
way  to  some  mousehole.  I  arrest  you  in  the  name  of  the 
Elector  and  the  law.  Count  John  Adolphus  von  Schwarzen- 
berg!  " 

"  Burgsdorf ! "  cried  the  Elector  in  a  commanding  tone, 
"  once  more,  I  command  you  to  let  him  go,  and  come  here. 
Obey  without  delay! " 

The  colonel  muttered  between  his  teeth  a  few  wild  words 
of  wrath,  but  released  the  count,  and  with  bowed  head  and 
chagrined  air  slunk  toward  the  Elector. 

"You  treat  me  like  a  well-trained  pointer,  your  high- 
ness! "  he  growled.  "  You  whistle  for  me,  and  I  drop  the  prey 
which  you  would  not  have  me  keep." 

"  You  do  yourself  too  much  honor,  old  Burgsdorf,"  said 
the  Elector,  smiling.  "  A  well-trained  pointer  does  not  follow 
a  false  scent,  and  that  was  what  you  were  doing  just  now. 
Did  you  expect  to  find  a  fugitive  in  your  master's  cabinet? 
You  thought  that  this  was  Count  John  Adolphus  Schwarzen- 
berg,  whom  I  was  compelled  to  arraign  as  a  criminal,  and 
who,  in  his  consciousness  of  guilt,  took  refuge  from  trial  in 
flight.  Look  closely  at  what  is  in  the  window  niche  and 
acknowledge  that  you  were  mistaken,  and  that  it  is  not  Count 
Adolphus  Schwarzenberg." 

Colonel  Burgsdorf,  perfectly  bewildered,  gazed  with  wide- 
open  eyes  first  on  the  Elector  and  then  on  the  count,  who  re- 
turned his  stare  with  a  scornful  smile. 

"  Most  gracious  sir,"  he  then  cried,  "  my  head  is  not  clear 


A  SECRET  AUDIENCE.  447 

enough  to  discern  your  meaning,  and  I  stick  to  it:  that  is 
Count  Adolphus  Schwarzenberg,  my  escaped  prisoner." 

"  And  I  repeat  it,  you  are  mistaken,  your  old  eyes  deceive 
you!  Look  once  more  right  sharply  and  closely,  and  you  will 
perceive  your  error  and  comprehend  that  this  is  not  Count 
Adolphus  Schwarzenberg,  to  whom  I  could  never  have  granted 
an  audience  in  my  cabinet.  Only  look  closer  and  you  will  see, 
old  Burgsdorf,  that  there  is  nought  in  the  window  niche  but  a 
great  sheet  of  parchment,  inscribed  with  manifold  characters, 
furnished  with  the  seal  of  the  empire,  and  signed  by  the  Em- 
peror Ferdinand's  own  hand.  I  know  that  you  do  not  read 
with  ease,  and  therefore  will  tell  you  what  is  marked  on  this 
parchment,  and  what  it  means.  It  means  a  safe  conduct,  and 
the  Emperor  himself  has  written  upon  it  that  this  parchment 
must  be  held  in  honor  and  sacred  from  all  attack." 

"Ah!"  cried  the  colonel — "ah!  I  begin  to  understand 
now." 

"  Well  truly  that  is  a  fortunate  circumstance,"  said  the 
Elector,  smiling. 

"  Yes,  your  highness,"  repeated  Burgsdorf,  "  I  begin  to 
understand.  Let  me  examine  the  thing  narrowly  once 
again." 

He  covered  his  eyes  with  his  hand,  as  if  he  were  blinded  by 
a  ray  of  light,  and  again  stared  at  the  window  niche. 

"  Yes,  indeed,"  he  said  slowly — "  yes,  I  see  it  quite  plainly 
and  distinctly  now.  Yes,  that  is  no  man,  but  a  veritable  piece 
of  parchment,  and  I  recognize,  too,  the  imperial  seal  and  the 
Emperor's  handwriting.  Where  were  my  eyes  that  I  did  not 
see  it  from  the  first,  and  what  a  stupid  fool  I  was  to  suppose 
that  I  saw  a  man  there!  What  misfortune  would  have  ensued 
if  I  had  defaced  the  Emperor's  handwriting  or  broken  the 
seal,  perhaps! " 

"It  would  have  been  a  wrong  done  to  Imperial  Majesty 
itself,"  smiled  the  Elector,  "and  might  have  brought  me 
under  the  ban  of  the  empire,  or  perhaps  produced  a  war." 

"  (rood  heavens!  a  war  about  an  ass's  hide,"  exclaimed 
Burgsdorf,  with  an  expression  of  horror. 

"  Surely,  your  highness,"  shrieked  the  count,  stepping 
forth  from  his  place  of  retirement,  pale  and  trembling  with 


448  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

passion,  "  you  can  not  ask  me  any  longer  to  submit  in  silence 
to  such  gross  insults." 

"  Gracious  sir,"  asked  Burgsdorf,  "  may  the  ass's  hide 
speak?  May  a  piece  of  parchment,  merely  because  hallowed 
by  the  Emperor's  signature,  venture  to  leave  its  place  and 
threaten?  " 

"  Hush,  Burgsdorf!  And  you,  sir,  step  back  into  your  re- 
cess, stay  in  the  place  pointed  out  to  you,  and  wait." 

"  Learn  to  wait!  "  cried  Burgsdorf.  "  Oh,  gracious  sir, 
that  is  the  very  window  niche  in  which  I  was  once  forced  to 
stand  in  order  to  learn  to  wait.  I  thank  you,  gracious  sir,  for 
in  this  hour  you  give  me  my  revenge.  Now  it  is  for  my  enemy 
to  learn;  and  I  beseech  Your  Grace  to  give  me  leave  to  open 
my  budget  from  Berlin.  The  parchment  must  hear  it  and 
learn.  Oh,  I  know  how  it  feels  to  have  to  listen  in  silence 
to  have  to  learn  to  wait!  " 

"  Colonel  Conrad  von  Burgsdorf,"  said  the  Elector  with 
majest}',  "  you  are  here  to  bring  me  tidings  from  Berlin. 
Speak  out  and  be  assured  that  no  one  will  venture  to  in- 
terrupt you.  In  the  first  place,  have  you  executed  my 
orders?  " 

"  Yes,  gracious  sir,  according  to  the  best  of  my  abilities 
and  the  means  at  my  disposal." 

"  As  their  superior  officer,  have  you  required  an  oath  of 
allegiance  to  me  from  the  commandants  and  garrisons  of 
the  forts?  " 

"  I  sent  your  orders  everywhere,  requiring  the  comman- 
dants to  swear  their  men  into  service  in  your  name,  and  to 
come  to  Berlin  that  I  might  administer  the  same  oath  to  them- 
selves." 

"  And  have  they  done  so  ?  Have  my  officers  and  troops 
sworn  to  serve  me  faithfully?  " 

"  A  few  commandants  have  done  so,  but  Kracht,  Rochow, 
and  Goldacker  have  refused,  declaring  that  they  would  rather 
blow  their  fortresses  up  than  swear  fealty  to  the  Elector. 
Hereupon  I  forthwith  had  the  commandant  of  Berlin,  Colo- 
nel von  Kracht,  arrested,  and  would  have  proceeded  in  like 
manner  against  the  Commandants  von  Rochow  and  von  Gold- 
acker,  but  the  traitors  got  wind  of  my  intentions.    Goldacker 


A  SECRET  AUDIENCE.  44.9 

left  Brandenburg  with  thirty  horse,  and,  report  says,  went 
over  to  the  Imperialists.  Colonel  von  Eochow,  however,  in 
his  fortress  assumed  a  warlike  attitude,  and  gave  out  that 
he  was  ready  to  do  battle  with  the  enemy  to  the  death.  Mean- 
while Margrave  Ernest  conferred  with  him  under  a  flag  of 
truce,  and  the  committee  of  investigation  at  Berlin  diligently 
prosecuted  their  labors,  and  brought  to  light  heinous  offenses 
committed  by  the  two  colonels  and  Count  John  Adolphus 
von  Schwarzenberg." 

"  Do  you  know  the  particulars?  The  colonels  were  ac- 
cused of  cheating  and  embezzlement,  were  they  not?  " 

"  Yes,"  said  Burgsdorf  with  a  little  embarrassment,  "  the 
question  regards  the  payment  of  the  troops  enlisted,  for  which 
the  colonels  received  money,  and and " 

"  And  yet  the  men  were  not  enlisted,"  said  the  Elector, 
with  an  imperceptible  smile.  "  Had  they  done  nothing  more 
than  this,  I  would  have  pardoned  them;  if  they  had  shown 
themselves  in  other  respects  true  and  faithful,  and  repented 
of  their  folly." 

"  But  this  they  have  by  no  means  done!  "  cried  Burgsdorf 
eagerly.  "  They  have  rather  shown  themselves  to  be  obstinate 
and  untoward.  Goldacker  has  been  extorting  bonds  in  Fiirs- 
tenwald,  plundering  whole  villages,  and  putting  the  magis- 
trates in  chains,  because  they  would  not  say  that  Goldacker 
gave  the  press  money  to  the  young  fellows  of  the  village,  al- 
though these  had  not  made  their  appearance.  Colonel  von 
Eochow  put  the  clerk  of  his  muster  roll  in  irons,  and  had  him 
condemned  to  the  gallows  by  a  court-martial,  because  the  poor 
fellow  would  not  bear  false  witness  and  swear  that  the  colonel 
had  made  payments  to  him.  When  the  Stadtholder  demanded 
the  clerk's  release.  Colonel  von  Eochow  insolently  refused  to 
give  him  up,  and  now  the  margrave  ordered  me  to  arrest  him. 
But  von  Eochow  did  as  his  accomplices — he  fled  and  made 
his  escape  to  the  Imperialists." 

"  Let  the  Imperialists  keep  Goldacker  and  Eochow,"  said 
the  Elector.  "  I  would  have  them  know  that  T  from  this  time 
forth  cheerfully  resign  their  services,  and  yield  them  up  with 
good  grace  to  the  Emperor  and  empire.  With  these  two,  there- 
fore, we  have  done.  Tell  me  now,  how  the  Schwarzenberg 


450  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

affair  stands.  "We  gave  orders  that  in  due  time  the  papers 
found  in  the  palace  of  the  deceased  count  should  be  sealed 
and  handed  over  to  the  committee  of  investigation.  Was  this 
done,  and  has  it  perhaps  been  made  evident  from  the  examina- 
tion of  the  papers,  that  the  son  of  the  Stadtholder  was  inno- 
cent of  complicity  in  the  intrigues  of  his  father  and  friends, 
and  been  falsely  accused  by  us?  " 

"  On  the  contrary,  your  highness,  it  was  proved  that 
Count  John  Adolphus  had  conspired,  not  merely  with  the 
rebellious  officers,  but  with  other  persons  not  subjects  of  your 
highness.  Among  the  papers  of  the  old  count  was  found  the 
young  gentleman's  secret  correspondence.  It  was  in  cipher,  it 
is  true,  but  there  are  very  learned  men  on  the  committee  of 
investigation,  and  they  discovered  the  key,  and  were  able  to 
read  the  letters.  Oh,  most  gracious  sir,  all  your  faithful 
servants  were  shamefully  slandered  and  calumniated  in  these 
letters.  Your  highness  even  was  not  spared,  and  the  young 
gentleman  expressly  wrote  that  he  would  do  all  he  possibly 
could  to  effect  the  downfall  of  the  Elector  Frederick  William. 
Of  the  States,  he  said  that  they  were  almost  all  friends  of  the 
Swedes  and  foes  of  the  Emperor,  and,  above  all,  he  represented 
me,  Conrad  von  Burgsdorf,  as  a  bitter  enemy  to  the  Emperor, 
and  said  that  on  that  account  all  orders  came  to  me.  But 
the  States  will  complain  to  the  Emperor  that  the  rebellious 
slanderer,  Count  Schwarzenberg,  has  blackened  them  so 
abominably  and  accused  them  of  high  treason." 

"  They  can  do  so,"  said  the  Elector — "  they  can  call  the 
slanderer  to  account,  and  you  can  do  so  too,  Burgsdorf,  if  it 
seems  necessary  to  you." 

"  But  it  does  not  seem  at  all  necessary  to  me,  your  high- 
ness," cried  the  colonel.  "  I  have  only  one  master,  yourself, 
and  if  I  had  injured  your  grace  I  should  have  been  guilty  of 
high  treason.  Henceforth  I  shall  be  nothing  but  the  most 
devoted  and  diligent  servant  of  my  dear  young  lord  and 
Elector,  and  I  care  very  little  about  Schwarzenberg's  having 
aspersed  me  to  the  Emperor  if  I  am  only  blessed  -rith  your 
favor." 

"I  have  recognized  you  as  a  true  and  faithful  servant," 
eaid  the  Elector  kindly,  "  and  I  am  no  ingrate.    You  shall  ex- 


A  SECRET  AUDIENCE.  451 

perience  this  hereafter,  for  I  shall  find  means  to  reward  my 
old  friend  as  he  deserves!  " 

"  Your  highness,  you  have  rewarded  me  already,"  cried 
Burgsdorf — "  you  have  called  me  your  friend,  my  Elector, 
and  I  thank  you  out  of  a  full  heart." 

The  Elector  nodded.  "  In  time  all  the  world  shall  learn 
that  I  honor  and  esteem  you  as  my  friend,"  he  said.  "  But 
now  tell  me,  what  progress  has  been  made  in  quieting  the 
refractory  soldiery  in  the  Mark?  Have  you  begun  that  dif- 
ficult task?  " 

"  We  have  begun,  your  highness,  and  will  also  end,  al- 
though at  first  there  was  much  insubordination  and  mutiny, 
and  although  the  cart  had  been  driven  so  deep  into  the  mire 
that  we  could  not  have  drawn  it  out  altogether  without  great 
difiiculty,  even  if  there  had  been  more  of  us." 

The  door  of  the  antechamber  opened,  and  the  page  made 
his  appearance. 

"  In  accordance  with  your  highness's  request,  the  Princess 
has  entered  the  antechamber." 

"  Beg  the  young  lady  to  wait  a  moment.  I  will  come 
directly  to  conduct  her  grace  into  my  cabinet." 

"  Burgsdorf,"  said  the  Elector,  turning  to  the  colonel,"  go 
up  now,  and  pay  your  respects  to  my  mother.  You  can  tell  her 
what  is  going  on  at  Berlin.  Her  grace  will  hear  you  gladly,  for 
she  takes  great  interest  in  the  cities  of  Berlin  and  Cologne." 

"  Very  curious  stories  I  can  tell  the  Electress,  since  your 
highness  accords  me  that  permission!  "  cried  the  colonel. 
"  Many  thrilling  affairs  have  happened,  and " 

"  Go  now,  my  friend,"  said  the  Elector,  pointing  to  the 
door  through  which  Burgsdorf  had  entered.  Then  he  crossed 
over  to  the  opposite  end  of  the  apartment  himself  and  opened 
the  door  of  the  inner  room. 


452  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 


XI. — Meeting  and  Parting. 

"  Be  kind  enough  to  come  in,  dear  sister,"  said  the  Elector, 
standing  in  the  doorway  and  smihngly  greeting  the  Princess, 
who  now  entered  the  apartment. 

"  I  have  come  at  your  bidding,  Frederick,"  said  the  Prin- 
cess, accepting  her  brother's  proffered  hand,  and  looking  up 
at  him  with  a  sweet,  affectionate  smile. 

In  the  window  niche  stood  John  Adolphus  Schwarzenberg, 
and  the  fires  of  passion  and  resentment  burned  in  the  glance 
which  he  fixed  upon  the  Princess,  whom  he  now  saw  for  the 
first  time  after  a  lapse  of  three  years.  How  much  pain  and 
mortification  had  he  not  suffered  during  these  three  years  on 
her  account?  The  only  change  wrought  in  the  Princess  by 
the  flight  of  time  was  a  more  perfect  development  of  beauty 
and  of  grace  of  carriage.  The  count  heaved  a  deep,  painful 
sigh,  and  the  rage  of  despair  took  possession  of  his  soul  at  the 
sight  of  that  noble,  tranqiiil  countenance. 

'■'  She  has  not  suffered,"  he  said  to  himself.  "  She  never 
loved  me,  and  will  now  despise  me!  " 

"  Forgive  me,  sister,  for  troubling  you  to  come  to  me,"  said 
Frederick  William,  nodding  affectionately  to  the  Princess.  "  I 
ought  indeed  to  have  come  to  you,  but  I  wished  to  speak  with 
you  on  a  matter  strictly  confidential,  which  I  did  not  wish 
our  mother  and  sister  to  know  an}i;hing  about." 

"Is  it  really  a  secret,  then?"  asked  Charlotte  Louise — 
"  no  bad  secret,  I  hope,  Frederick?  " 

"  It  at  least  touches  very  grave  matters,"  replied  the 
Elector.    "  Look  yonder  at  that  window  niche." 

The  Princess  turned  quickly,  and  looked  in  the  direction 
indicated.  A  low  scream  escaped  her  lips,  and  she  sank  trem- 
bling upon  a  seat. 

"  Adolphus!  "  murmured  her  quivering  lips. 

This  single  utterance  spoke  more  eloquently  to  both  men 
than  the  most  elaborate  arrangement  of  sentences  could  have 
done.  It  told  them  that  years  of  separation  had  not  estranged 
the  Princess  from  Count  Schwarzenberg;  that  her  heart  still 
called  him  by  the  familiar  name  accorded  him  by  love;   that 


MEETING   AND  PARTING.  453 

with  the  count,  Charlotte  Louise  was  not  the  proud  Princess, 
but  only  the  humble,  loving  maiden.  The  Elector  understood 
this,  and  a  cloud  overshadowed  his  brow. 

The  count  understood  it,  too,  and  his  dark  countenance 
brightened.  With  uplifted  head  he  rushed  from  the  window 
niche  to  the  Princess,  and,  kneeling  before  her,  seized  her 
hand  to  press  it  to  his  lips.  But  this  touching  of  her  hand 
seemed  to  restore  to  the  Princess  her  strength  and  self- 
possession.  By  a  hasty  movement  she  released  her  hand  and 
rose. 

"  Brother,"  she  said,  "  is  it  customary  to  greet  princesses 
in  this  style  ?  Be  pleased  to  tell  me,  for  you  know  I  have  been 
but  little  in  the  world,  and  am,  therefore,  but  little  conversant 
with  its  forms." 

"  No,  Louise,  it  is  not  customary,"  replied  Frederick  Wil- 
liam, breathing  more  freely;  "  but  Count  Schwarzenberg 
seems  to  suppose,  that  as  your  favored  lover  he  need  not  re- 
gard the  laws  of  ceremony." 

"  As  my  favored  lover?  "  asked  the  Princess,  a  blush  sud- 
denly suffusing  her  brow  and  neck,  while  her  blue  eyes,  usu- 
ally so  soft,  sparkled  with  indignation.  "  Did  I  hear  aright? 
Did  you  actually  say  that  to  me,  brother,  to  your  sister?  Did 
you  call  this  or  any  other  man  my  favored  lover?  " 

"  I  only  repeated  the  words  made  use  of  by  Count  John 
Adolphus  von  Schwarzenberg  in  suing  for  your  hand,  sister. 
This  gentleman  aiSrms  that  you  have  granted  him  more  favor 
than  was  seemly  in  a  modest  maiden.  And  when  I  doubted 
it  he  replied  that  he  could  prove  it,  for  he  possessed  a  note, 
written  with  your  own  hand,  in  which  you  invited  him  to  a 
rendezvous  by  night." 

"  He  said  that!  "  cried  the  Princess.  "  He  said  that,  and 
you  did  not  kill  him  on  the  spot?  " 

"  I  did  not  kill  him,"  answered  the  Elector  gravely  and 
solemnly,  "  because  no  one  should  die  for  the  truth.  And 
he  maintains  that  he  speaks  the  truth:  that  by  means  of  this 
letter  of  yours  he  can  dishonor  you  and  my  house  in  the  eyes 
of  the  whole  world.  Say  then,  Louise,  is  it  true;  does  he  actu- 
ally possess  such  a  letter?  " 

Charlotte  Louise  shuddered  and  tottered  backward. 


454  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

"  Yes!  "  she  breathed — "  yes,  he  speaks  the  truth — he  does 
possess  such  a  letter!  " 

"  No!  "  cried  the  count,  "  he  did  not  speak  the  truth!  Oil, 
forgive  me,  Princess,  forgive  me  this  slander,  which  my  lips 
uttered,  uttered  in  the  delirium  of  pain,  love,  and  despair! 
I  lied.  Princess,  you  never  wrote  to  me,  never!  I  said  that 
in  order  to  force  your  brother  to  give  me  your  hand,  because 
I  love  you,  Princess,  you  know  not  how  dearly!  Ah!  you  little 
imagine  with  what  fervor  of  devotion  my  soul  clung  to  you, 
and  what  you  did  that  time  when  you  mocked  and  betrayed 
me,  treating  me  like  a  despised  beggar!  That  hour  wrought 
a  change  in  my  whole  nature!  The  most  sacred  blossoms  of 
my  love  had  been  crushed  by  you,  and  I  trampled  them  under 
foot  and  strove  to  bury  my  despair  in  mirth  and  pleasure.  I 
did  not  succeed.  The  sacred  old  song  of  the  buried  love  was 
forever  making  itself  heard  in  low,  sweet  strains.  I  would 
not  listen,  I  tried  to  drown  it.  I  became  a  conspirator,  a  rebel, 
for  I  longed  to  take  vengeance  upon  you  and  your  house.  Fate 
was  against  me;  my  revenge  constituting  my  punishment. 
I  must  flee,  I  must  leave  as  a  fugitive  the  land  in  which  you 
live.  The  Emperor  received  me  graciously,  giving  me  rank 
and  titles,  and  bestowing  upon  me  marks  of  favor  and  regard, 
thus  opening  to  the  ambitious  heart  a  career  of  fame,  dignity, 
and  honor.  All  was  in  vain,  though.  I  felt  too  late  that  love, 
not  ambition,  had  urged  me  into  the  dangerous  paths  of  in- 
surrection and  revolt.  I  could  not  forget  you.  Like  a  radiant 
star,  you  ever  shone  upon  the  midnight  darkness  of  my  soul. 
I  must  see  you  again,  to  obtain  from  your  own  lips  my  sen- 
tence of  pardon  or  condemnation.  I  despised  all  danger,  even 
the  order  of  arrest  issued  against  me,  and  obtained  the  Em- 
peror's leave  to  accompany  his  ambassador  here.  I  came  and 
suffered  the  severest  mortification  that  a  man  can  suffer.  I 
subjected  myself  to  your  brother's  scorn  and  contempt.  Then 
at  last  my  heart  rebelled,  and  when  he  scornfully  refused  your 
hand  to  me,  I  claimed  it  as  my  right,  by  virtue  of  the  love 
you  once  vowed  to  me.  The  Elector  disputed  your  love  for 
me,  and  then,  in  the  rage  of  my  heart,  I  boasted  of  a  favor 
which  I  never  received,  boasted  of  having  received  from  you 
a  letter^  and  an  invitation  to  a  rendezvous.     Oh,  forgive  the 


MEETING  AND  PARTING.  455 

madman  who  kneels  here  at  your  feet  and  suffers  the  agony 
of  death.  He  has  no  right  to  claim  anything,  he  only  implores 
from  you  an  act  of  grace!  " 

While  the  count  thus  spoke  in  passionate  excitement,  the 
Elector  had  slowly  retired,  and,  standing  apart  with  folded 
arms,  gazed  upon  the  couple  with  melancholy  eyes.  In  the 
beginning  the  Princess  had  sunk  upon  a  chair,  with  bowed 
head  and  hanging  arms,  pale  as  a  drooping  lily.  But  the 
glowing  words  which  fell  upon  her  ear  seemed  to  find  an  echo, 
a  painful  echo,  in  her  heart.  Slowly  she  raised  her  head,  and 
breathlessly  listened  to  his  words,  while  the  color  once  more 
mounted  to  her  cheek.  When  the  count  stopped,  she  slowly 
rose  and  proudly  and  indignantly  drew  herself  erect. 

"  You  speak  falsely  now.  Count  Schwarzenberg,"  she  said, 
"  for  what  you  told  my  brother  was  true.  Yes,  three  years 
ago,  in  the  childish  folly  of  my  heart,  I  granted  you  a  favor 
unseemly  for  a  modest  maiden.  Yes,  I  wrote  you  a  note  with 
my  own  hand,  inviting  you  to  a  rendezvous  in  the  castle  at 
nine  o'clock  in  the  evening.  Brother,  I  confess  this,  although 
I  know  that  I  am  thereby  forever  forfeiting  your  esteem. 
But  this  man  has  accused  me,  and  I  honor  the  past  of  my  heart, 
while  I  acknowledge  the  fault  of  which  he  accuses  me.  Yes, 
I  have  loved  him,  warmly,  inexpressibly,  and  have  wept  and 
lamented  him  in  a  manner  little  becoming  a  princess,  but  in 
my  love  I  was  only  a  poor  simple  maiden,  who  wanted  noth- 
ing in  the  whole  world  but  his  heart.  Well  I  know  that  I 
sinned  grievously  against  my  mother  and  the  laws  of  virtue 
and  propriety  in  carrying  on  a  clandestine  love  affair,  in  allow- 
ing my  heart  to  be  deceived  by  his  ardent  protestations  of  love 
and  even  in  my  delusion  going  so  far  as  to  grant  him  a  rendez- 
vous— nay,  even  to  ask  for  one." 

"  Did  you  really  do  that,  sister?  " 

"  I  did,  and  have  repented  it  for  three  long  years.  That 
I  confess  this,  that  I  reveal  my  secret,  should  prove  to  you 
that  I  now  speak  the  truth.  And  therefore  you  will  believe 
me,  Frederick  William,  when  I  affirm  that  this  is  the  only 
favor  of  which  the  count  can  boast.  I  have  to  blush  before 
you,  but  not  before  him." 

"Not  before  me  either,  Louise,"  said  the  Elector.      "I 


456  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

know  love,  and  in  my  own  heart  liave  battled  with  all  its  follies 
and  illusions.  I  know  what  you  suffer,  by  remembering  my 
own  experiences.  It  is  a  bitter  grief  to  be  obliged  to  admit 
that  you  have  wasted  the  holiest  feelings  of  your  heart  upon 
an  unworthy  object." 

"  Yes  indeed,  it  is  a  bitter  grief,"  sighed  the  Princess. 

"  0  Princess!  spare  yourself  this  grief!  "  cried  the  count, 
still  kneeling  before  her.  "  You  have  freely  owned  that  you 
love  me.  Why,  then,  will  you  turn  away  from  me?  Accept 
me  as  your  husband,  and  I  will  love  you,  serve  you,  obey  you, 
ask  nothing  but  the  privilege  of  looking  upon  you,  and  basking 
in  your  presence." 

She  gave  him  a  long,  cold  look.  "  And  if  I  decline  your 
hand,  you  will  revenge  yourself,  will  you  not,  by  displaying 
my  note  to  the  Emperor  and  the  whole  world,  you  will  defame 
me  and  all  my  house?    Was  not  that  your  threat?  " 

"  I  spoke  in  frenzy,  in  despair.  But  you  shall  see  that  I 
will  ask  nothing  from  you  for  fear,  but  all  for  love.  See,  here 
is  the  note.  I  have  hitherto  preserved  it  as  my  most  precious 
jewel;  my  father  bade  me  do  so,  and  told  me  that  this  paper 
might  save  me  in  the  hour  of  greatest  peril.  This  hour  is  now 
at  hand,  but  I  will  not  have  it  save  me.  Here  is  the  note;  I 
offer  it  to  you.    Take  it,  tear  it  up,  and  then  decide!  " 

With  outstretched  hands  he  held  out  the  paper,  but  she 
took  it  not,  and  quickly  stepped  back. 

"  Keep  the  paper,"  she  said.  "  AVhy  should  I  ask  whether 
you  will  turn  it  into  a  weapon  against  me?  I  will  accept  no 
favor  or  advantage  from  you.  Only  let  it  be  known  at  the 
imperial  court,  to  the  whole  world,  that  I  loved  you; 
show  this  paper  everywhere,  and  all  will  turn  from  you,  all 
women  will  despise  you,  and  all  men  blush  for  the  traitor  to 
love!  " 

"  No  one  shall  despise  me,  no  one  shall  turn  from  me!  " 
cried  the  count,  springing  to  his  feet.  With  trembling  hands 
he  tore  the  paper  into  little  bits,  and  threw  them  on  the 
floor. 

"  There  lies  the  secret.  Princess!  Now  I  am  entirely  in 
vour  power!  Now  I  have  no  weapon  of  defense.  Call  Burgs- 
dorf,  your  highness,  have  me  arrested,  if  it  seems  good  to  you. 


MEETING  AND   PARTING.  457 

I  renounce  the  Emperoi*'s  safe  conduct,  as  I  just  now  re- 
nounced your  sister's  letter." 

"  We  accept  no  act  of  generosity  or  renunciation  from 
you,"  replied  the  Elector  with  dignity.  *'  The  Emperor's  safe 
conduct  I  shall  respect,  and  as  I  allowed  you  to  speak  quietly 
to  my  sister,  although  you  misrepresented  much  and  put  mat- 
ters in  a  false  light,  so  I  will  allow  you  to  depart  unmolested. 
As  regards  the  love  letter,  your  excuse  for  demanding  my 
sister's  hand,  the  fragments  testify  as  strongly  against  you 
as  the  letter  itself,  ily  sister  alone  has  to  reply  to  your 
offer." 

"  I  have  no  answer  to  give  this  man,  for  he  dare  not  ask 
anything  more  of  me,"  said  the  Princess  proudly.  '"  He  who 
can  betray  the  secrets  of  the  heart  degrades  himself.  The  man 
who  boasts  of  a  favor  received  is  unworthy  of  it,  and  every 
woman  will  despise  him.  Not  merely  now,  in  the  hour  of  dan- 
ger, have  you  bethought  yourself  of  my  letter,  Count  Adol- 
phus  Schwarzenberg,  but  you  had  spoken  of  it  previoitsly  to 
your  father.  You  have  turned  a  young  girl's  letter  into  a 
political  bond,  which,  as  a  cunning  merchant,  was  to  be  re- 
deemed and  converted  into  money,  l^ow  you  have  redeemed 
it;  there  lies  the  letter!  I  give  you  for  it  my  contempt." 

"  I  think  you  have  now  received  my  sister's  answer,"  said 
the  Elector,  "  and  we  have  nothing  more  to  say  to  one  another, 
for  the  courts  must  settle  other  subjects  of  dispute  between 
us.  Go,  Count  Schwarzenberg,  return  home  to  Vienna,  for 
your  mission  is  ended.    You  are  dismissed." 

The  count  answered  not  a  word.  One  long  glance  of  grief 
and  rage  he  cast  upon  the  Princess,  who  stood  loftily  erect 
at  her  brother's  side.  Then,  with  a  slight  bow  of  salutation, 
he  turned  and  strode  through  the  room. 

Not  a  sound  interrupted  the  solemn  silence  save  the  count's 
footsteps  as  he  advanced  to  the  door.  There  he  once  more 
paused  and  turned  back  his  livid,  wrathful  countenance.  The 
Princess  still  stood  erect,  calm,  and  unmoved,  beside  the  Elec- 
tor. Schwarzenberg  cast  down  his  eyes  and  left  the  room. 
The  Princess  heard  the  door  shut,  and  a  heavy  sigh  escaped 
her  breast.  "  He  has  gone,"  she  murmured  softly,  "  he  has 
gone;  I  shall  never  see  him  again." 


458  THE   HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

She  leaned  her  head  upon  her  brother's  shoulder  and  wept 
bitterly. 

"  You  loved  him  very  dearly,  then?"  asked  the  Elector 
gently,  throwing  his  arms  around  her  neck. 

"  Yes,"  she  whispered  softly,  "  I  loved  him  dearly,  and 
I  am  afraid  I  love  him  still,  and  will  mourn  for  him  forever. 
No  one  on  earth  has  mortified  me  so  deeply  as  he,  and  yet  I 
shall  never  love  another  as  I  have  loved  him." 

"  Poor  child,"  said  Frederick  William  sadly,  "  you  love 
him  still,  although  you  des]3ise  him!  " 

With  folded  arms  he  walked  several  times  to  and  fro,  while 
his  sister  dropped  into  a  chair,  covered  her  face  with  her  hands, 
and  quietly  wept.  The  Elector  stopped  in  front  of  her  and 
gently  drew  her  hands  from  before  her  face. 

"  Sister,"  he  said  tenderly,  "  I  will  dry  your  tears,  for  I 
may  do  so,  and  in  this  hour  of  most  sacred  confidence  not  the 
shadow  of  an  untruth  shall  lie  between  us.  When  you  wrote 
that  billet  to  the  count  three  years  ago  he  did  not  come  to  the 
rendezvous,  did  he  ?  " 

"No!"  cried  the  Princess;  "he  dared  to  let  me  expect 
him  in  vain,  to  decline  the  interview  which  I  had  granted 
him.  0  Frederick!  when  I  think  of  this  I  could  die  for  very 
shame,  so  much  do  I  hate  him  who  humiliated  me  so  deeply, 
so  much  do  I  despise  myself  for  having  incurred  and  merited 
this  humiliation." 

"  Louise,"  said  the  Elector  softly,  "  if  that  is  your  only 
reason  for  hating  him,  then  you  can  love  him  again,  for  this 
is  probably  the  only  fault  of  which  he  is  innocent.  Lift  up 
your  head,  sister,  for  I  can  relieve  you  from  this  humiliation. 
It  was  Count  Schwarzenberg's  wish  to  keep  the  appointment. 
He  stood  for  two  hours  before  a  locked  door  seeking  admis- 
sion. I,  however,  stood  on  the  other  side  of  the  door,  guard- 
ing it.  and  did  not  depart  until  he  had  gone  away  in  despair." 

"You,  brother?"  asked  the  Princess,  whose  cheeks  grew 
suddenly  crimson.  "  Y"ou  knew  about  it?  You  prevented  the 
interview?  " 

"  I  wanted  to  guard  my  sister  against  her  own  indiscretion; 
I  wanted  to  preserve  her  from  error." 

"  Y"ou  knew  it  and  kept  silence,  magnanimously  kept  my 


MEETING  AND  PARTING.  459 

secret  from  my  mother?  Oh,  and  he  is  innocent?  He  did 
not  scorn  and  insult  me?  I  can  think  of  him  without  anger, 
without No,  no;   forgive  me,  brother,  I " 

"  Hear  me,  Louise,"  said  he  softly.  "  I  will  prove  to  you 
how  much  I  have  your  happiness  at  heart,  and  how  gladly  I 
would  promote  it.  If  in  spite  of  all  that  you  have  learned 
to-day,  in  spite  of  his  mode  of  wooing,  you  still  love  Count 
Schwarzenberg — so  love  him  that  for  his  sake  you  can  forever 
— mark  well  my  words,  forever — give  up  mother,  brother  and 
sister,  home,  country,  yea,  religion  itself,  sundering  all  the  ties 
which  bind  you  here — if  you  so  love  him  that  he  is  family, 
home,  everything  to  you,  then  tell  me  so,  sister,  and  I  will 
overcome  my  repugnance  and  have  the  count  recalled,  will 
accept  his  offer,  and  bestow  you  upon  him  in  marriage.  Only 
you  must  choose  between  him  and  us.  In  that  hour,  when 
I  join  your  hands,  we  have  seen  each  other  for  the  last  time, 
and  never  will  your  return  home  be  possible.  But  if  you  really 
love  him,  go,  for  well  I  know  that  love  only  finds  its  home 
in  the  heart  of  the  beloved  one.  Choose  then,  sister.  Will 
you  follow  him?  Speak,  I  shall  not  reproach  you — speak, 
and  I  will  have  him  recalled!  " 

She  flung  her  arms  around  his  neck  and  gently  laid  her 
head  upon  his  breast.  "  No,"  she  said  softly — "  no,  do  not 
call  him  back.  He  has  betrayed  and  desecrated  love.  My  heart 
revolts  from  him  and  turns  with  deep  affection  to  you.  Thank 
you,  brother,  for  acquainting  me  with  the  truth  and  taking 
that  weight  of  humiliation  from  my  soul.  ISTow  I  shall  be 
comforted,  now  I  can  hold  up  my  head  again.  I  am  not  the 
rejected,  but  the  rejecter.  Yes,  brother,  I  have  renounced 
love  and  happiness.  The  golden  morning  dream  is  over,  and 
I  am  awake!  Let  me  weep,  Frederick,  my  last  tears  for  a  lost 
love! " 

The  Elector  bent  over  her  and  imjirintcd  a  kiss  upon  her 
brow.  "  Weep,  sister,  weep,"  he  said  softly.  "  And  if  it  can 
in  any  degree  console  you,  know  that  I  have  wept  and  suffered 
as  you  do  now." 


30 


460  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 


XII. — The  Investiture  at  Warsaw. 

At  last  all  matters  of  dispute  were  settled,  all  difficulties 
smoothed  over.  King  Wladislaus  of  Poland  had  declared 
himself  ready  to  receive  the  oath  of  allegiance  from  his  vassal 
the  Elector  of  Brandenburg,  and  to  invest  him  with  the  duchy 
of  Prussia.  Hard  conditions,  truly,  were  those  imposed  upon 
the  young  Elector,  and  heavy  the  sacrifices  which  the  King 
and,  more  pressingly  yet,  the  members  of  the  Polish  Diet  re- 
quired. That  the  Elector  should  pay  a  yearly  tribute  of  thirty 
thousand  florins,  besides  a  hundred  thousand  florins  from  the 
naval  taxes,  was  a  condition  to  which  he  had  agreed  without 
a  struggle;  but  much  severer  and  more  humbling  compliances 
he  had  to  make. 

They  wished  to  make  him  feel  that  the  King  of  Poland 
was  still  lord  paramount  of  Prussia,  and  that  the  Elector  must 
give  way  to  him.  The  nobility  of  Prussia  were  therefore  to 
have  the  right,  in  all  civil  and  difficult  cases,  to  appeal  from 
the  decision  of  the  Elector  to  that  of  the  Iving.  On  the  other 
hand,  the  Elector  was  not,  without  the  King's  express  per- 
mission, to  occupy  a  neutral  position  with  regard  to  any  enemy 
of  Poland;  he  was  to  receive  the  King's  commissioners  when- 
ever it  pleased  the  latter  to  send  them  to  inspect  the  fortresses 
of  Memel  and  Pillau.  But  the  hardest  thing  was,  that  the 
Elector  must  pledge  himself  to  protect  and  exalt  the  Eoman 
Catholic  worship  in  Prussia  with  all  his  might,  and  to  do  noth- 
ing for  the  further  spread  of  the  Eeformed  Church  in  Prus- 
sia. He  was  to  build  up  the  decaying  Catholic  Church  at 
Konigsberg,  and,  besides  that,  have  a  new  one  built.  The 
Catholics  were  to  be  protected  in  the  free  exercise  of  their 
worship,  and  guarded  against  every  attack  of  the  Protestant 
preachers. 

Hard  and  degrading  were  these  conditions,  but  the  Elector 
had  accepted  them.  He  had  bowed  his  proud  heart  and  con- 
strained it  to  be  humble.  Tears  of  indignation  had  stood  in 
his  eyes  as  they  handed  him  the  document  on  which  were  in- 
scribed all  these  conditions;  his  hand  had  trembled  when  he 
took  the  pen,  but  still  he  had  appended  his  signature,  and 


THE   INVESTITURE  AT  WAESAW.  461 

none  but  Burgsdorf  had  seen  the  tears  which  fell  from  Fred- 
eri'-k  William's  eyes  upon  his  hand  as  he  signed. 

"  Burgsdorf,"  he  said,  pointing  to  his  signature,  '''  do  you 
know  what  I  have  written  there?" 

"  No,  your  highness,  that  I  do  not.  I  am  not  stupid  enough 
to  give  myself  much  trouble  deciphering  the  scratches  of  a 
pen.  But  I  know  and  have  read  what  is  written  upon  your 
face,  sir." 

"Well,  and  what  stands  written  there,  old  friend?" 

"  Most  gracious  sir,  it  is  written  there  that  you  suffer  now, 
but  will  be  revenged  hereafter.  It  says  that  you  now  in  a  sub- 
missive manner  offer  your  hand  to  the  insolent,  cursed  Pole, 
but  that  on  some  future  day  you  will  shake  your  fist  in  his 
face,  and  amply  requite  his  haughty  arrogance." 

"  "Well  done;  you  have  read  correctly,"  exclaimed  the 
Elector,  laughing.  "  You  have  divined  my  most  secret 
thoughts." 

"  And  may  a  good  God  only  deign  to  grant  me  tliis  one 
favor,  that  I  may  live  long  enough  to  see  your  thoughts  put 
in  action,  gracious  sir!  May  he  preserve  me  from  gout  and 
paratysis,  that  I,  too,  may  have  a  hand  in  the  deeds  of  that 
blessed  day,  and  strike  a  few  well-aimed  blows." 

"  Well,  it  is  to  hoped  that  not  many  years  will  elapse  ere 
the  dawning  of  that  day,"  said  the  Elector.  "  I  shall  not  know 
ease  or  rest  until  it  is  here,  and  I  can  have  my  revenge.  Let 
us  think  of  this,  old  friend,  and  be  meekly  patient  and  wear 
a  placid  mien  on  our  way  to  Warsaw,  to  humble  ourselves. 
You  know  a  man  must  sometimes  swallow  bitter  medicine 
when  he  is  sick  and  faint,  and  the  bitterest  will  appear  sweet 
if  he  drinks  it  in  order  to  imbibe  new  life  and  health.  My 
poor  country  is,  indeed,  sick  unto  death,  and  therefore  I  go 
to  Warsaw  to  swallow  a  bitter  pill  for  the  health  and  salva- 
tion of  my  land.    But  we  go  on  crutches,  two  hard  crutches." 

"  I  know  the  names  of  those  crutches,  yovir  highness,"  said 
Burgsdorf.  "  One  crutch  is  called  '  Imperial,'  the  other 
'  Polish.' " 

"You  have  guessed  correctly,  old  friend,"  answered  the 
Elector.  "  But  some  day  we  will  throw  aside  the  crutches  on 
which  we  must  now  lean,  and  Prussia  shall  be  the  sword  which 


462  THE  HEIR  TO   THE  THRONE. 

we  sliall  unsheathe  and  draw  against  all  our  foes.  I  must  now 
submit  to  having  a  lord  over  me,  but  the  time  will  come  when 
the  Prussian  black  eagle  will  feel  itself  strong  enough  to  do 
battle  against  the  white  eagle  of  Poland,  and  soar  aloft  on 
bold,  strong  wing.  Once  more  I  tell  you,  old  friend,  think 
of  that,  if  we  do  go  now  to  Warsaw!  You  are  to  accompany 
me,  and  when  you  ride  into  Warsaw  at  the  head  of  my  soldiers, 
as  their  colonel  and  chief,  show  a  smiling  visage  to  the  fair 
Polish  women  and  enchant  them  by  your  grace." 

"  I  will  so  enchant  them,  your  highness,"  laughed  Burgs- 
dorf,  "  that  for  rapture  at  sight  of  me  they  will  not  look  at 
you,  and  not  even  make  an  attempt  to  win  your  heart." 

"My  heart,  Burgsdorf?"  said  the  Elector.  "I  have  no 
heart,  at  least  no  personal  one.  My  thoughts  and  feelings 
belong  only  to  my  country,  my  ambition,  and  my  future.  I 
now  go  to  Warsaw  and  bow  my  head  in  the  dust,  that  at  a 
later  period  I  may  lift  it  up  the  more  proudly  and  independ- 
ently." 

And  on  the  7th  of  October,  1641,  Elector  Frederick  Wil- 
liam of  Brandenburg  made  his  entry  into  Warsaw.  At  the 
head  of  his  splendidly  equipped  regiment  rode  old  Conrad  von 
Burgsdorf,  his  broad,  bloated  face  flushed  crimson,  and,  as 
he  stroked  his  long,  light  moustache,  he  bowed  right  and  left, 
saluting  the  fair  ladies,  who  looked  down  upon  the  glittering 
procession  from  windows  hung  with  tapestry  and  decorated 
with  flowers  and  ribbons.  But  the  fair  ladies  took  but  little 
notice  of  old  Burgsdorf.  Their  bright  eyes  were  all  turned 
to  the  handsome  young  nobleman,  who,  quite  alone,  followed 
the  regiment  of  soldiers.  Behind  him  was  seen  a  brilliant 
array  of  gentlemen  in  handsome  uniforms;  but  all  this  van- 
ished unnoticed.  Only  upon  him,  yon  youth  who  rides  his 
horse  so  proudly  and  so  gracefully,  upon  him  alone  were  all 
eyes  fixed.  How  finely  his  figure  was  outlined  in  that  close- 
ly fitted  velvet  coat,  trimmed  with  golden  "  Brandenburgs," 
and  crossed  by  the  golden  shoulder  belt  from  which  hung 
his  German  broadsword.  How  gracefully  fell  his  long  brown 
hair  over  his  shoulders,  how  boldly  sat  upon  his  head  the 
cocked  felt  hat,  with  its  crest  of  black  and  white  ostrich 
plumes!    How  fiery  and  penetrating  the  glance  of  those  dark- 


THE  INVESTITURE  AT  WARSAW.  463 

blue  eyes,  and  how  sweet  and  captivating  the  smile  of  those 
full,  fresh  lips. 

Oh,  King's  daughter,  King's  daughter,  sliield  your  heart, 
lest  it  glow  with  love  for  the  handsome  stranger  who  now 
draws  near,  and  whom  they  call  the  young  Elector  of  Branden- 
burg! He  looks  not  at  you,  he  thinks  not  of  you.  But  you 
— you  look  at  him  and  think  of  him.  They  have  told  you 
that  they  will  wed  you  to  him,  that  the  little  Elector  will 
esteem  it  a  great  honor  to  become  the  husband  of  a  daughter 
of  the  King  of  Poland.  Why,  she  is  a  princess  of  imperial 
blood,  for  her  mother  is  an  archduchess  of  Austria,  a  daughter 
of  Emperor  Ferdinand  I!  It  will,  indeed,  be  a  great  honor 
to  the  little  Elector,  if  they  bestow  upon  him  the  hand  of  a 
king's  daughter,  an  emperor's  grandcliild,  and  happy  will  he 
be  to  be  allowed  to  receive  it,  and  to  become  great  by  means 
of  his  great  connections! 

Look  closely  at  him.  Princess  Hildegarde;  look  at  him 
with  your  heart  and  soul,  rejoice  in  his  youth,  beauty,  and 
proud  bearing,  for  he  is  to  be  your  husband!  Your  father 
will  do  him  the  honor  to  receive  him  as  his  son-in-law,  and 
the  Emperor  will  condescendingly  admit  him  to  his  relation- 
ship! See  now  he  has  approached  quite  near  the  throne 
which  has  been  erected  upon  the  square  fronting  the  palace. 
On  the  throne  sits  King  Wladislaus  in  the  rich  national  cos- 
tume. Beside  him  stands  his  brother,  Prince  Casimir,  while 
to  the  right  and  left  on  the  steps  of  the  throne  stand  the  mag- 
nates with  their  insignia  of  rank,  the  bishops  and  prelates. 
Close  behind  the  throne  is  the  kingly  palace,  and  there,  upon 
a  balcony  hung  with  gold  brocade,  stands  the  Queen;  to  the 
right  and  left  of  her  the  two  royal  Princesses,  both  so  lovely 
to  look  upon  in  their  picturesque  Polish  garb,  their  raven 
tresses  surmounted  by  the  Polish  cap  with  its  heron's  plumes. 

Oh,  King's  daughter.  King's  daughter,  you  need  not  fear, 
you  are  so  charming,  so  attractive;  surely  you  will  win  his 
heart,  and  he  will  woo  you  not  merely  from  political  motives, 
but  from  love! 

Does  he  see  you,  and  is  he  looking  up  at  you?  No,  he  only 
looks  up  at  the  King  as  he  now  stands  at  the  foot  of  the  throne, 
beside  that  magnificent  cushion  studded  with  emeralds  and 


464  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

pearls.  His  knights  and  bodyguard  range  themselves  to  the 
right  and  left  of  the  throne,  and  reserve  a  small  open  space 
in  the  midst  of  the  broad  square,  which  is  densely  thronged 
by  masses  of  people  behind  the  closed  ranks  of  the  soldiers. 
In  this  small  vacant  space  stands  he,  the  young  Elector  of 
Brandenburg! 

High  is  his  head,  radiant  the  glance  which  he  now  lifts 
higher"  than  the  King's  throne.  Looks  he  at  you.  Princess 
Hildegarde,  gazes  he  upon  you,  fair  maiden  of  a  royal  line? 

No,  his  glance  mounts  higher;  to  heaven  itself  he  raises 
both  eye  and  thought!  He  commimes  with  God  and  the  fore- 
fathers of  his  house,  who  once,  like  him,  stood  at  the  foot  of 
that  throne.  And  he  vows  before  God  and  his  ancestors  that 
he  will  be  the  last  Hohenzollern  to  submit  to  such  humiliation 
and  bend  the  knee  as  vassal  to  the  Polish  King.  He  will  free 
his  land  and  crown,  and  be  the  vassal  of  none  but  God  alone! 

So  swore  the  Elector  Frederick  William  as  he  stood  at  the 
foot  of  the  throne  on  which  sat  the  Polish  King,  resplendent 
with  his  crown  and  scepter,  and  this  oath  made  his  counte- 
nance beam  with  joy  and  his  eyes  flame  with  energy  and 
spirit. 

Now  is  heard  the  flourish  of  trumpets  and  kettledrums, 
and  the  bell  of  every  tower  in  Warsaw  rings,  for  the  solemn 
act  begins:  the  Duke  of  Prussia  is  to  swear  allegiance  to  the 
King  of  Poland! 

Three  cannon  thunder  from  the  ramparts!  The  bells 
grow  dumb,  the  trumpets  and  drums  are  silent!  A  breath- 
less stillness  pervades  that  spacious  square.  The  people  with 
dark,  flashing  eyes  gaze  curiously  upon  the  heretic,  the  un- 
believer, who  is  to  swear  fealty  to  his  Catholic  Majesty.  The 
Polish  deputies  look  threateningly  upon  the  bold  duke,  who 
dared  to  enter  upon  the  government  of  Prussia  before  he  had 
given  his  oath  of  allegiance;  the  papal  nuncio  turns  his  head 
aside  with  sorrowful  looks,  and  can  not  bear  to  see  a  heretic,, 
an  apostate,  invested  with  authority  over  a  Catholic  country. 

The  King,  however,  smiles  good-naturedly,  and  the  ladies 
from  the  balcony  in  the  rear  kindly  incline  their  heads  and 
blushingly  greet  the  young  Elector,  who,  doffing  his  plumed 
hat,  gracefully  salutes  them. 


THE  INVESTITURE  AT  WARSAW.  455 

Three  senators  approach  the  Elector.  One  holds  out  to 
him  the  red  feudal  banner,  which  the  Elector  grasps  firmly 
in  his  right  hand.  The  second  offers  him  the  Juramentum 
fidelitaiis  (oath  of  fidelity),  on  which  the  young  Prince  is  to  lay 
his  hands  and  swear.  The  third  holds  in  his  hand  the  parch- 
ment on  which  is  inscribed  the  feudal  oath.  The  high  chan- 
cellor now  descends  from  the  steps  of  the  throne  and  takes 
the  parchment  out  of  the  senator's  hands.  The  Elector  bends 
his  knee  upon  the  richly  embroidered  cushion,  a  crimson  glow 
flushes  his  cheeks,  and  deep  in  his  soul  he  repeats:  "  I  shall 
be  the  last  Hohenzollern  to  submit  to  such  humiliation  and 
bow  in  the  dust  before  another  Prince.  I  shall  make  my 
Prussia  and  Brandenburg  great.  I  shall  free  them  from  Em- 
peror and  King,  and  shall  own  no  superior  but  God!  To  that 
end,  0  Lord,  grant  me  thy  blessing,  and  hear  the  vow  my  heart 
utters  while  my  lips  are  speaking  other  words!  " 

The  King  waves  his  golden  scepter  and  the  lord  chan- 
cellor begins  with  resonant  voice  to  read  off  the  oath  of  alle- 
giance couched  in  the  Latin  tongue. 

Loud  and  clearly  the  Elector  speaks  each  word  after  him, 
loud  and  clearly  his  lips  pronounce  words  of  which  his  heart 
knows  nothing.  To  be  a  submissive  vassal,  his  lips  swear — 
to  fulfill  faithfully  and  obediently  all  the  obligations  due  from 
him  as  Duke  of  Prussia  to  the  King,  as  is  written  in  the  oath 
of  fealty  subscribed  by  him.  How  full  and  strong  is  his  voice, 
sounding  distinctly  over  all  the  square,  and  yet  how  sweet 
and  harmonious  every  tone! 

Oh,  King's  daughter.  King's  daughter,  shield  your  heart! 
Look  not  down  upon  his  lustrous  eyes,  heed  not  his  voice, 
though  it  ring  like  music  in  your  ear!  Beware  of  loving  him, 
for  you  know  not  whether  his  heart  inclines  toward  you! 

God  be  praised!  The  formula  of  the  oath  is  ended.  The 
Elector  may  rise  from  his  knees,  and,  as  he  does  so,  he  says 
to  himself :  "  Never  again  shall  this  knee  bend  to  man!  Never 
again  shall  I  endure  what  I  have  endured  to-day!  " 

But  his  countenance  betrays  nothing  of  the  emotions  of 
his  soul,  and  with  a  smile  upon  his  lips  he  ascends  the  steps 
of  the  throne,  and  takes  his  place  upon  a  seat  at  the  left  hand 
of  the  King. 


466  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

And  again  are  heard  the  ringing  of  bells  and  flourishing 
of  trumpets,  as  they  announce  to  the  city  of  Warsaw,  that  the 
Elector  Frederick  William  has  just  sworn  allegiance  to  the 
King  of  Poland.  The  solemnity  is  over,  and  the  King,  the 
Elector,  and  the  nobles  of  his  realm,  repair  to  the  palace 
to  partake  of  a  banquet  which  has  been  prepared  there  for 
them. 

A  sumptuous  banquet!  The  tables  glitter  with  gold  and 
silver  plate,  around  which  are  ranged  the  nobles  in  their  strik- 
ing national  costumes.  The  Brandenburg  officers  are  arrayed 
in  gold-laced  uniforms,  and  between  them  sit  the  beautiful 
Polish  ladies,  richly  adorned  with  flowers  and  sparkling  gems, 
themselves  the  fairest  flowers  and  their  eyes  the  most  brilliant 
gems.  Between  the  King  and  Queen  sits  the  young  Elector, 
opposite  him  the  two  Princesses. 

Oh,  King's  daughter,  shield  your  heart.  He  talks  with  you, 
indeed,  and  smiles  upon  you,  and  sweet  words  flutter  like 
butterflies  across!  Butterflies  take  speedy  flight,  sweet  words 
are  scattered  to  the  wind!  Nothing  remains  of  them  but 
a  painful  memory!  if  it  should  be  so  with  you.  King's 
daughter! 

The  Elector  is  no  longer  the  humble  vassal  with  serious 
face  and  melancholy  mien;  he  is  the  young  ruler,  the  hero  of 
the  future.  His  eyes  glisten,  his  lips  smile,  witticisms  drop 
from  his  mouth,  his  countenance  beams  with  merriment  and 
youthful  joy.  Not  merely  are  the  ladies  delighted  with  him, 
but  the  men  also,  and  the  royal  pair  are  glad  of  heart,  for  well 
pleased  are  they  to  present  such  a  husband  to  their  amiable 
daughter. 

Not  until  late  at  night  is  the  fete  concluded,  and  when 
the  Elector  goes  home  to  the  Brandenburg  Palace,  all  the 
nobility  attend  him  with  torches  in  their  hands — a  long  pro- 
cession of  five  thousand  torches!  Like  a  golden  flood  it 
streams  through  the  streets  of  Warsaw,  flashes  in  at  all  the 
windows,  and  inscribes  on  every  wall  in  shining  characters, 
"  The  Elector  of  Brandenburg,  Duke  of  Prussia,  has  given 
the  oath  of  vassalage  to  the  King  of  Poland!  " 

The  fete  is  over,  but  the  next  morning  ushers  in  new  fes- 
tivities!    To-day  the  Elector  gives  a  splendid  entertainment 


THE  INVESTITURE  AT  WARSAW.  467 

to  the  royal  family  and  the  chief  nobihty.  At  table  the  Queen 
sits  on  his  right  hand,  on  his  left  Princess  Hildegarde,  the 
King's  daughter. 

The  Elector  is  cheerful  and  unembarrassed  in  manner;  she 
is  thoughtful,  reserved,  and  silent.  She  is  wont  to  be  so  lively 
and  talkative  in  her  girlish  innocence.  The  Elector,  how- 
ever, knows  not  that  her  manner  is  changed.  His  heart  is 
a  stranger  to  her,  and  his  glances  say  no  more  to  her  than  to 
all  other  pretty  women!  In  the  evening  he  dances  with  her 
at  the  Queen's  ball — that  is  to  say,  tlie  Elector  dances  with 
the  King's  daughter,  but  not  the  young  man  with  the  beau- 
tiful young  girl. 

Will  he  not  propose?  The  Queen  hints  at  the  great  honor 
which  they  destine  for  him;  the  King  says  tenderly  to  him 
that  he  would  esteem  himself  happy,  if  he  could  call  so  noble 
a  young  Prince  Ms  son.  But  the  Elector  understands  neither 
the  Queen  nor  the  King,  he  is  silent  and  does  not  propose. 
He  is  so  modest  and  diffident — perhaps  he  dare  not.  They 
must  wait  awhile.  If  he  has  not  declared  himself  on  the  last 
day  of  his  visit,  they  must  take  the  initiative  and  woo  him, 
since  he  will  not  woo. 

On  this  last  day  it  is  the  Princesses  who  give  a  ball  to  the 
Elector — a  splendid  masquerade,  for  which  they  have  been 
preparing  three  months,  arranging  costumes  and  practicing 
dances.  A  half  mask  is  to-day  well  chosen  for  the  Princess 
Hildegarde,  for  it  conceals  her  agitated  features,  her  anxious 
countenance.  She  knows  that  to-day  her  fate  is  to  be  decided! 
She  knows  that  at  the  close  of  this  fete  she  is  to  be  betrothed 
to  the  Elector  of  Brandenburg. 

Yes,  since  he  -wdll  not  woo,  he  must  be  wooed!  The  King's 
daughter,  the  Emperor's  grandchild,  is  exalted  so  high  over 
the  little  Elector,  the  powerless  duke,  that  he  actually  can 
not  venture  to  sue  for  her  hand,  but  must  have  his  good  for- 
tune announced  to  him. 

Count  Gerhard  von  Donhof  is  selected  by  the  King  to 
execute  this  delicate  commission,  and  doubts  not  that  his 
proposition  will  be  auspiciously  received. 

He  requests  of  the  Elector  an  interview  in  the  little  Chinese 
pavilion  near  the  conservator}',  and  with  smiling,  free,  and 


468  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

cordial  manner  tells  him  how  much  the  Queen  and  King  love 
him. 

"  And  I  reciprocate  their  feelings  with  all  my  heart,"  an- 
swers the  Elector.  "  These  delightful  days,  like  brilliant  stars, 
will  ever  live  in  my  remembrance.    Tell  their  Majesties  so." 

"  Your  highness  should  carry  home  with  you  a  lasting 
memento  of  these  days,"  whispered  the  courtier. 

"  What  mean  you,  Count  Donhof  ?  " 

"  I  believe  that  if  you  were  to  ask  the  hand  of  Princesa 
Hildegarde,  their  Majesties  would  cheerfully  grant  you  their 
consent  and  bestow  upon  you  a  ro3^al  bride." 

Gravely  the  Elector  shook  his  head.  "  ISTo,"  he  said  sol- 
emnly— "  no.  Count  Donhof,  so  long  as  I  can  not  govern  my 
land  in  peace,  I  dare  seek  no  other  bride  than  my  own  good 
sword."  * 

And  smilingly,  as  if  he  had  heard  nothing,  as  if  nothing 
uncommon  had  happened,  the  Elector  returns  to  the  conserva- 
tory. 

The  Princess  Hildegarde  also  smiles,  looks  cheerful  and 
happy,  and  dances  with  all  the  cavaliers.  But  not  with  the 
Elector!    He  does  not  approach  her  again. 

She  seems  not  to  perceive  this,  and  maintains  her  cheerful- 
ness, even  when  at  last  he  approaches  the  Princesses  to  take 
leave  of  them. 

"  Farewell,  Sir  Elector!  May  you  have  a  prosperous  jour- 
ney home  and  be  happy!  "  So  say  her  lips.  What  says  her 
heart? 

That  nobody  knows.  The  Princess  has  a  tender  but  proud 
heart!  Only  at  night  was  heard  a  low  sobbing  and  waihng 
in  the  Princess's  chamber.  When  morning  broke  though 
it  was  hushed.  That  is  the  deepest  grief  which  must  shun 
the  light  of  day,  and  only  find  vent  and  expression  in  the  cur- 
tained darkness  of  night. 

Poor  Hildegarde!  Poor  King's  daughter!  Scorned!  The 
Emperor's  grandchild  scorned  by  the  little  Elector  of  Branden- 
burg! 

He  has  returned  home;   he  has  shaken  from  his  feet  the 

*  The  Elector's  own  words.  See  von  Orlich,  History  of  Prussia,  vol. 
vi,  p.  77. 


THE  INVESTITURE  AT  WARSAW.  469 

dust  of  that  humbling  pilgrimage.  The  States  of  the  duchy 
of  Prussia  had  long  delayed  swearing  allegiance  to  the  Elector, 
feeling  that  they  had  been  aggrieved  as  to  their  rights  and 
privileges.  Now  at  last  all  difficulties  had  been  adjusted  and 
the  deputies  of  Prussia  were  ready  to  do  homage  to  their 
Duke.  Upon  an  open  tribune  before  the  palace  stood  the 
Elector,  with  bared  head  and  radiant  countenance,  and  in  front 
of  him  at  the  foot  of  the  throne  the  deputies  from  his  duchy. 
They  swore  faithfulness  and  devotion,  and,  as  in  Warsaw,  so 
in  Konigsberg  the  bells  rang,  and  trumpets  and  drums  sent 
forth  triumphant  sounds.  The  roar  of  cannon  announced 
to  Konigsberg  and  all  Prussia  that  to-day  the  Duke  and  his 
States  were  joined  in  a  compact  of  concord,  love,  and  unity! 

"Leuchtmar,"  said  the  Elector,  inclining  toward  the 
friend  whom  he  had  summoned  from  Sweden,  on  purpose 
to  be  present  at  this  f  estivit}- — "  Leuchtmar,  in  this  hour  the 
first  germ  of  my  future  has  put  forth  buds!  " 

"  And  a  great  forest  will  grow  therefrom,  a  forest  of  myrtle 
and  laurel,  your  highness!  " 

"  Leave  the  myrtle  to  grow  and  bloom,  Leuchtmar.  I 
care  not  for  that!  But  I  want  a  rapid  growth  of  laurel!  I 
long  for  action;  and  one  thing  I  will  tell  you,  friend:  to-day 
marks  a  new  era  of  my  life.  Until  now  I  have  been  forced  to 
bear  and  temporize,  to  bow  my  head,  and  patiently  accom- 
modate myself  to  the  arrogance  and  caprices  of  others.  I 
was  so  small  and  all  about  me  so  great:  I  was  nothing,  they 
were  everything!  I  must  become  a  diplomatist  in  order  to 
gain  even  ground  enough  on  which  to  stand." 

"  And  now  you  have  gained  ground.  One  title,  at  least, 
you  have  substantiated,  and  may  now  claim  to  be  veritably 
Duke  of  Prussia.  You  have  now  won  your  position;  and  my 
Elector  never  recedes — he  always  moves  forward!  " 

"  Yes,  from  this  day  he  moves  forward!  "  cried  the  Elector, 
with  enthusiasm.  "  Forward  in  the  path  of  glory  and  renown! 
Hear  you  the  ringing  of  bells  and  thundering  of  cannon!  God 
bless  Prussia,  my  Prussia  of  the  future — my  great,  strong, 
mighty  Prussia,  as  I  feel  she  will  become.  To  her  I  dedicate 
my  life.  Not  in  pride  and  vain  ambition,  but  in  genuine 
humility  and  devotion  to  my  duty  and  my  calling.     I  will 


470  THE  HEIR  TO  THE  THRONE. 

have  nothing  for  myself,  all  for  my  people,  for  the  honor  of 
my  God  and  the  good  of  my  country!  In  the  discharge  of 
my  princely  functions  I  sliall  be  ever  mindful  that  I  guard 
not  my  own,  but  my  people's  interests.  And  this  thought 
will  give  me  strength  and  joy!  This  be  the  device  of  my  whole 
future:  Pro  deo  et  populo! — For  God  and  the  people!  " 

"  God  save  our  Duke! "  cried  and  shouted  the  people,  as 
the  Elector  now  descended  the  steps  of  the  throne  in  order 
to  return  to  the  palace.  "  Blessings  on  our  Duke!  "  cried 
also  the  representatives  and  deputies  from  the  Prussian  towns 
and  provinces. 

The  Elector  bowed  to  right  and  left,  smilingly  acknowl- 
edging their  salutations.  His  heart  swelled  with  joy  and  love 
as  he  saw  all  these  glad,  happy  faces,  the  faces  of  his  own 
people;  and  in  the  recesses  of  his  soul  he  repeated  his  oath, 
to  devote  his  whole  life  and  being  to  his  countrj' — "  Pro  deo 
et  populo! — For  God  and  the  people!  " 


END  OF  THE  VOLUME. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 

Los  Angeles 
This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below. 


tPlURl. 

NOV    I  m 


FormLQ — 15m-10,'48(B1039)444 


THE  LIBRARY 


PT 
2438 

1MG91E 
1914 


7a    000  765  051    8 


